<5!t\E  UNIVERSE 


CENTENNIAL  ADDRESS, 


BY 


DAVID  D,  FIELD,  D,  D, 


WITH  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES  OF 
CROMWELL,  PORTLAND,  CHATHAM,  MIDDLE-HADDAM. 

MIDDLETOWN  AND  ITS  PARISHES. 


M1DDLETOWN,  CONN. : 
WILLIAM    B.    CASEY. 

1853. 


86844 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1353,  }<y 

WILLIAM  B.  CASEY, 
in  thu  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  Connecticut. 


MIDDLE-TOWN  '. 
NEWS  AND   ADVERT1SEK  1T.1NT. 

1853. 


fl 


CENTENNIAL  ADDRESS 

A\D 

« 

I     HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

<D 

• 


CONTENTS 


Dr.  Casey's  Address, 13. 

Dr.  Field's         "     

Peijuot  War 29. 

Settlement  of  the  town,  34. 

Indian  Grave  Yards, 36. 

Pokatapaug  Pond,    37. 

Meeting  House  built,  38. 

Surveys  and  Grants, 39. 

Early  Settlers,  39. 

First  Householders, 41. 

Settlement  of  Upper  Houses, 42. 

"          of  Middlefield, 43. 

"          of  Middle  Haddam,  43. 

Ship  building, 44. 

Character  of  Settlers, 47. 

West  India  trade,  62. 

Resolves  of  the  town  on  the  passage  of  the  Boston  Port  Bill,    66. 

Raising  troops  and  supplies, 68. 

Capture  of  Ticonderoga, -„ 70. 

Governor  Fraaklin,  (Tory) 72. 

Standing  Militia, 74. 

Captain  Mfiigs, 80. 

Capture  at  Sag  Harbor,   81. 

fifinpiral  Parsons,    84. 

Nehemiah  Hubbard, 80. 

Captain  Pratt,  87. 

Dr.  John  Osborne, ^ 90. 

Titus  Hosmer, ^. 96. 

Samuel  W.  Dana, 99. 

Asher  Miller, 100. 

Stephen  T.  Hosmer,    -. 101. 

Richard  and  John  Alsop, 107. 

Capt.  Partridge's  Academy, 108. 

"Wesleyan  University, 110. 

Commodore  MacDonough,  112. 

Battle  of  Lake  Chatnplain, 114 

Middletown  Manufactories, 123. 

Indian  Deed,   137. 


CONTENTS. 

page- 
Origin  of  Early  Settlers, 143. 

Societies  (Ecclesiastical,) 151- 

Lead  Mine 15<J- 

Feldspar  Quarry,  161 . 

First  Congregational  Church, 163. 

South  Congregational  Church, 168. 

Episcopal  Church,  174- 

Baptist  Church I78- 

Methodist  E.  Church, 180. 

Universalist  Church, 183. 

Roman  Catholic,  184. 

Middlefield, 186- 

Westfield, 192- 

Physicians  in  Middletown, 196- 

Obituary  of  Dr.  T.  Miner, - 200. 

of  Dr.  H.  Woodward,    203. 

Lawyers  in  Middletown,    205. 

Means  of  Education,  214. 

Graduates  from  Middletown,  219. 

wcirspsiperS  in  Middletown, 226. 

Lists  of  Officers,  &c 228. 

Banks  and  Probate,    231 . 

Post  Office  and  Custom  House, 234. 

Sketch  of  Cromwell, 235. 

Friendly  Association,    245. 

Academy - .246. 

Physicians  in  Cromwell 247. 

Graduates  from  Cromwell,  249. 

Sketch  of  Portland, 253. 

Physicians, - -- 

Lawyers, -- 259. 

Quarries, 261: 

Sketch  of  Chatham, 267- 

Grant  to  Gov.  Winthrop,   273- 

Governor's  Gold  Ring, - .274. 

Cobalt  Miuo -  -- 275- 

PhysiHnns  in  Middle  HadJam, 278. 

Sketch  of  East  Hampton, 283. 

Middletown  Deputies  to  the  General  Court, 284. 

Representatives  from  Chatham,   292. 

«  ««    Portland, ....295. 


HARTFORD,  July  15,  1850. 
My  DEAR  SIR  : 

I  have  postponed,  until  this  time,  my  final  reply  to  the  invita- 
tion received  from  yourself  and  the  other  gentlemen  of  the  Corn- 
wee  for   that  purpose,  to  deliver  an    address  at   the   ensuing 

mtennial  Celebration  of  the  settlement  of  Middletovfn,  in 
hopes  that  I  should  find  myself  able  to  comply  with  your  request, 
but  I  have  ascertained  that  the  arrangement  of  the  terms  of  the 
courts  during  the  Summer  and  Fall  will  not  allow  me  the  leisure 
necessary  for  a  suitable  preparation  for  the  service  to  which  you 
have  invited  me  ;  and  I  am  therefore  under  the  necessity,  (re- 
luctantly for  the  reasons  mentioned  in  my  last  interview,)  of 
declining  its  performance. 

Grateful  for  the  compliment  implied  in  the  invitation  of  the 
committee,  I  am,  with  sincere  regard,  yours, 

WM.  L.  STORKS. 
To  JOHN  JOHNSTON,  Esq.,  Middletown,  Ct. 


NEW  HAVEN,  Nov.  8th.,  1850. 
WM.  B.  CASEY,  M.  D. 

Chairman  Committee  of  Arrangements. 
DEAR  SIR  : 

I  received  some  days  since,  your  favor  of  the  4th,  conveying 
to  me  from  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  for  the  Centennial 
Anniversary,  an  invitation  to  be  present  and  to  share  in  the  ex- 
ercises of  the  celebration. 

I  have  delayed  my  answer  in  the  hope  that  I  should  be  able 
to  say  positively  that  I  would  come.  It  is  still,  however,  so  un- 
certain whethermy  engagements  willadmit  of  my  coming,  that 
it  will  not  be  safe  to  depend  on  me  tor  any  active  share  in  the 
work  of  the  day,  or  for  being  in  Middletown,  in  the  body  at  all. 

I  say  this  very  unwillingly,  for  I  do  not  know  of  any  other  ap- 
pointment of  the  kind  which  it  would  give  me  so  much  pleasure 
to  make  and  fulfill.  I  am  respectfully,  yours, 

WM.  H.  RUSSELL. 


INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 


THE  Second  Centennial  Anniversary  of  Middletown, 
should  have  been  celebrated  in  October  1850  ;  but  owing 
to  the  infirm  health  of  Rev.  Dr.  FIELD,  who  delivered 
the  ADDRESS  on  that  occasion,  it  was  deferred  until  No- 
vember. At  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Middletown 
held  in  July  1850,  at  which  Doct.  WM.  B.  CASEY,  then. 
Mayor  of  the  City,  presided,  a  Committee  was  appointed 
to  make  arrangements  for  the  approaching  Anniversary, 
•which  Committee  was  constituted  as  follows  : 

WM.  B.  CASEY,  Ex-Offido  Chairman. 

PROF.  JOHN  JOHNSTON, 

DOCT.  CHAS.  WOODWARD, 

DOCT.  J.  BARRATT, 

FREDERICK  HALL,  ESQ.,  Portland. 

HON.  JOHN  STEWART,  Chatham. 

ASA  HUBBARD,  ESQ.,  South  Farms. 

EDWARD  SAVAGE,  ESQ.,  Cromwell. 
Invitations  were  sent  to  Hon.  W.  L.  Storrs,  now  of 
Hartford,  Judge  of  Superior  Court ;  To  Wm.  H.  Rus- 
sell, Esq.,  of  New  Haven,  and  other  gentlemen,  natives 
of  the  Town,  inviting  their  presence  and  assistance  on 
the  occasion  of  the  Anniversary,  but  their  engagements 
were  of  such  a  nature,  as  to  prevent  their  acceptance  of 
the  invitation.  Their  letters  are  herewith  subjoined, 


8  INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS. 

Rev.  Dr.  FIELD  having  finally  notified  the  Committee 
of  his  improved  health,  and  ability  to  discharge  the  du- 
ties of  his  appointment,  the  13th  day  of  November  was 
fixed  upon  as  the  time  for  holding  the  celebration,  and 
notice  given  accordingly.  Mr.  Russell's  letter  informing 
the  Committee  of  his  inability  to  attend  and  participate 
in  the  exercises  of  the  day,  having  been  received  at  so 
late  a  date,  that  it  was  impossible  to  provide  a  substitute, 
the  duty  of  supplying  his  place,  so  far  as  might  be,  de- 
volved upon  Doct.  Casey,  the  Chairman  of  the  Commit- 
tee, and  he  accordingly  prepared  a  short  introductory 
Address,  a  copy  of  which  is  printed  in  the  following 
pages. 

An  Ode,  hastily  written  for  the  occasion  by  one  of  our 
townsmen,  was  set  to  Music  by  Mr.  John  Porter,  and 
effectively  sung  by  the  Choir  of  the  North  Church. 

In  conclusion,  the  Committee  would  remark,  that  it 
was  extremely  doubtful  for  some  .time,  owing  to  Dr. 
Field's  state  of  health,  whether  the  celebration  would  be 
held  at  all ;  and  therefore  the  preparations  and  arrange- 
ments for  the  occasion  were  suspended.  Consequently, 
when  the  Committee  received  notice  from  Dr.  Field  that 
he  was  ready  to  fulfill  his  appointment,  there  was  but 
little  time,  before  cold  weather,  in  which  to  make  the 
necessary  preparations. 

The  doings  of  the  day,  and  the  order  of  exercises, 
were  described  in  the  Daily  NOAVS,  a  small  paper  just 
started,  and  from  that  we  copy  an  account  of  the  pro- 
ceedings. 


CcnteraM 


OF 

MIDDLETOWN. 


THE  celebration  of  the  second  Centennial  Anniversa- 
ry of  the  settlement  of  Middletown  took  place  in  the  city 
of  Middletown,  Nov.  13th,  1850,  and  the  condition  of 
the  notification  in  regard  to  the  favorableness  of  the 
weather  proved  to  be  quite  unnecessary,  as  it  was  one  of 
the  most  pleasant  days  with  which  this  remarkably  geni- 
al fall  season  has  been  crowded. "  At  the  hour  appointed, 
considerable  numbers  of  our  citizens  and  visitors  from  the 
neighboring  towns,  assembled  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Post 
Office  to  witness  the  forming  of  the  procession.  At  half 
past  ten  o'clock,  a  walking  organization  was  effected  un- 
der the  direction  of  John  N.  Camp,  Marshal  of  the  day. 
The  following  was  the  arrangement  of  the  column  : 

The  excellent  Brass  Band  from  New  Haven. 

The  Mansfield  Guards  under  the  command  of  Gen.  E. 
W.  N.  Starr,  (a  very  thoroughly  drilled  company,  and  as 
gentlemanly,  as  it  is  military  in  its  appearance.) 

The  Committee  of  Arrangements. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  FIELD,  the  Orator  of  the  day,  (and 
whose  external  personality  is  said  strongly  to  resemble 
that  of  Ex-Minister  Guizot.) 


10  CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION, 

The  Rev.  Clergy  of  the  city  and  vicinity. 

The  City  Fathers. 

Invited  Guests. 

The  Faculty  and  Students  of  Wesleyan  University. 

Members  of  the  Friendly  Association  of  Cromwell. 

St.  John's  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons, 
(whose  charter,  we  think,  dates  back  as  far  as  178T.) 

Central  Lodge,  No.  12,  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows. 

Sons  of  Temperance,  from  the  Mattabesett  arid  Ma- 
raooson  Divisions,  decorated  in  simple  white. 

Putnam  Chapter  of  the  Order  of  United  Americans, 
(with  a  very  tasteful  regalia.) 

Town  Officers  and  Citizens. 

The  Procession  was  formed  in  front  of  the  North 
Church,  and  proceeded  on  its  march  up  Main  to  Wash- 
ington, thence  to  High,  thence  to  Church,  thence  again 
through  Main  street,  to  the  North  Church.  The  exer- 
cises in  the  Church  were  introduced  by  music  from  the 
New  Haven  Band.  A  very  appropriate  prayer  was 
offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  CRANE,  the-  senior  resident  set- 
tled clergyman,  and  pastor  of  the  oldest  congregation  in 
the  city.  Dr.  WM.  B.  CASEY,  Chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Arrangements,  made  a  few  pertinent  remarks, 
in  which  he  took  occasion  to  remind  us  of  some  of  our 
advantages  and  wants.  The  choir  of  the  North  Church 
then  sung,  in  a  very  chaste  and  effective  manner,  the 
following 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION.  11 

ODE. 

Two  Hundred  Years  ago  here,  and  Autumn  leaves  were  falling, 
And  the  woods  to  woods  were  calling  here,  Two  Hundred  Years 

ago; 
And  their  roaring  sounds  like  thunder,  made  the  forest  seekers 

wonder, 
When  stirred  by  blasts  of  Autumn  winds,  Two  Hundred  Years 

ago. 

Two  Hundred  Years  ago,  there  were  Indian  footsteps  roaming 
O'er  the  hills,  they  heard  them  coming  here,  Two  Hundred  Years 

ago; 
They  were  from  our  Western  Mountains,  they  :d  been  quaffing 

at  the  fountains, 
And  were  wending  hither  homeward  here,  Two  Hundred  Years 

ago. 

Two  Hundred  Years  ago  here,  the  deer  were  wildly  bounding, 
And   the  partridge  wing-drum  sounding  here.   Two  Hundred 

Years  ago; 

On  the  tree-tops  gaily  prancing,  was  the  merry  squirrel  dancing, 
At  his  prey  the  wolf  was  glancing,  here,  Two  Hundred  Years  ago. 

Two  Hundred  Years  ago,  here,  there  flowed  a  noble  river, 
And  its  finuy  tribes  were  sporting  here,  Two  Hundred  Years  ago ; 
And  like  God,  the  glorious  giver,  this  same  water  faileth  never, 
But  is  passing  now  as  ever  here,  Two  Hundred  Years  ago. 

Two  Hundred  Years  ago,  here,  the  Red  Man  broke  his  arrow 
And  his  bow  in  silent  sorrow  here,  Two  Hundred  Years  ago, 
And  he  left  his  Fathers  buried  here,  and  shrunk  his  heart  in 

silence  there, 
And  the  White  Man  ploughed  their  graves  here,  Two  Hundred 

Years  ago. 

1* 


12  CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  FIELD,  of  Higganum,  gave  a  character- 
istic Address,  interesting,  in  the  main,  for  its  historical 
facts  and  reminiscences. 

The  Church,  we  believe,  was  filled  to  the  extent  of  its 
capacity  with  an  apparently  .interested  audience ;  and 
we  doubt  not  the  occasion  will  be  long  held,  by  all  who 
were  present,  in  pleasing  remembrance.  The  Band  per- 
mitted us  to  depart  under  the  touching  strains  of  Jluld 
Lang  Syne, 

The  celebration  is  over.  Hereafter  let  it  be  remem- 
bered that  Middletown  is  a  matron  with  the  weight  of 
Two  Hundred  Years  upon  her  brow.  May  Heaven 
watch  over  her,  and  her  children  forever. 

Our  City,  in  the  evening,  presented  a  very  brilliant  ap- 
pearance. Many  of  the  stores,  public  buildings  and 
private  dwellings  were  splendidly  illuminated,  by  way  of 
a  finishing  up  of  the  Centennial  Celebration. 

The  side -walks,  of  course,  were  somewhat  thronged 
with  observing  and  happy  promenaders.  With  modest 
bonfires,  burning  balls,  and  intrusive  fire-crackers,  and 
an  occasional  adventurous  sky-rocket,  and  the  unrevolv- 
ing  lights  of  the  windows,  the  crowd  appeared  to  be  well 
entertained. 

This  celebration,  on  the  whole,  which  was  anticipated 
with  but- little  interest  by  not  a  few,  has  passed  oft'  in  a 
commendable  manner.  Enthusiasm  is  sometimes  of  a 
slow  growth.  Imagine  that  "an  hundred  years  are  gone," 
and  give  us  another  demonstration  to-morrow,  and  the 
thing  shall  be  done  up  in  a  manner  entirely  satisfactory. 


ADDRESS  OF  DR.  CASEY. 


AN  interesting  and  important  occasion  has  this  day 
called  us  together.  We  have  assembled  within  these 
walls  to  celebrate  the  Two  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the 
settlement  of  our  town.  Yes,  two  hundred  years  have 
passed,  since  first  the  white  man  here  took  up  his  abode. 
What  thronging  fancies  crowd  upon  the  mind  as  it  wan- 
ders back  over  this  vista  of  years,  and  pictures  to  itself 
the  long  series  of  incidents  and  changes,  extending 
throughout  this  period.  Let  us  indulge  ourselves  with 
the  retrospect.  I  do  not  intend  to  trespass  far  upon  the 
province  of  my  venerable  and  learned  friend,  who  is  to 
address  you  this  day,  nor  will  I  detain  you  long  from  the 
pleasure,  which  his  rich  and  matured  production  will 
afford.  As  Chairman  of  the  Committeee  of  Arrange- 
ments, it  devolved  upon  me  to  make  some  introductory  re- 
marks, and  I  have  therefore  hastily  thrown  together  a 
few  crude  and  unconnected  reflections,  which  have  occur- 
red to  me  in  the  midst  of  absorbing  professional  duties  ; 
and  merely  regretting  that  the  task  had  not  been  com- 
mitted to  abler  hands,  I  proceed  to  discharge  its  require- 
ments. 

In  the  year  1650,  this  fair  and  beautiful  town,  (then 
lying  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  and  embracing  within 
its  limits  the  present  townships  of  Portland  and  Chat- 


14  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    CASEY. 

ham,)  was  little  better  than  a  wilderness,  inhabited  sole- 
ly by  the  wild  red  man,  and  by  beasts  of  prey,  scarcely 
more  savage  than  the  natives  who  pursued  them  in  the 
chase.  The  hills  were  clothed  with  dense  forests,  and  the 
valleys  and  plains,  covered  with  the  rank  luxuriance  of 
the  native  plants  and  grasses,  save  here  and  there  a  spot 
under  tillage,  which  glistened  and  rejoiced  with  its  bur- 
den of  maize.  From  no  hospitable  chimney  the  smoke 
ascended  up  to  heaven,  or  spread  its  cloud  over  the  land- 
scape. The  adventurous  sons  of  the  Pilgrims,  who 
travelled  hitherward,  might  have  caught  sight  of  the  thin 
wreath  of  blue  vapor,  Avhich  curled  lightly  upward  from 
the  wigwam  of  the  Sachem,  or  the  council  fire  of  his 
chiefs.  They  might  have  heard  from  afar  off  the  wild 
yells  and  the  shrill  whoops  of  the  braves,  as  they  enga- 
ged in  the  war  dance,  meditating,  it  may  be,  even  then, 
the  destruction  of  the  pale  faces,  of  whose  approach  they 
were  doubtless  aware  ;  or  perhaps,  they  might  have  paus- 
ed in  their  journey  and  listened  with  wondering  and  not 
unfearful  attention  to  the  wild  dirge  of  the  women,  mourn- 
ing the  departure  of  some  loved  one,  in  their  plaintive 
and  wailing  death-song.  No  white  sail  gleamed  through 
the  trees  that  skirted  the  banks  of  our  beautiful  river ; 
and  no  keel  parted  its  gentle  waves  ;  nought  ruffled  its 
surface,  save  the  frail  birchen  canoe,  which  danced  light- 
ly over  its  waters,  scarce  leaving  a  ripple  in  its  wake. 
Here  and  there  dusky  forms  glided  about  with  stealthy 
and  noiseless  tread ;  and  anon  came  upon  the  ear  the 
shrill  laughter  of  Indian  boys  and  maidens,  engaged  in 
their  primitive  sports.  Such  was  the  state  of  things  at 
the  advent  of  our  forefathers  :  a  few  years  passed,  and 
then  there  might  be  seen  by  the  sides  of  the  Sebethe,  an 
occasional  rude  hut  or  log  house,  with  its  little  clearing, 
and  the  more  substantial  fortress  or  block -house,  wrhich 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    CASEY.  15 

the  early  settlers  invariably  built,  as  a  place  of  refuge 
from  the  murderous  attacks  of  their  savage  neighbors ; 
and  now,  too,  began  to  appear  the  fruits  of  advancing 
civilization.  The  forests  bowed  beneath  the  vigorous 
blows  of  the  sturdy  axe -men,  and  the  sunlight  glanced 
upon  earth  that  for  years  had  not  felt  its  summer  rays  ; 
rich  fields  of  waving  grain  rose  in  its  season ;  the  varied 
sounds  of  busy  industry  were  heard,  blended  with  the 
songs  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  which  pealed  from  the 
lips,  aye  and  the  hearts,  of  our  pious  forefathers ;  for 
they  failed  not  to  worship  the  Being  who  had  led  them 
hither,  though  their  meeting  house  had  to  be  surrounded 
by  high  palisades,  and  sentries  with  loaded  muskets  kept 
watch  and  ward  at  its  entrance.  In  some  places,  the 
picture  we  have  sketched  was  tinted  with  darker  hues  ; 
quarrels  and  conflicts  were  not  wanting,  and  the  terrible 
war-whoop  of  the  savage  sometimes  burst  forth,  startling 
from  their  midnight  slumbers  the  early  inhabitants,  who 
considered  themselves  abundantly  fortunate  to  escape 
with  life  from  their  burning  dwellings,  and  find  safety 
and  refuge  in  the  fortress.  Then  followed  retaliation, 
and  the  helpless  women  and  children  of  the  natives  were 
occasionally  involved  in  the  punishment  dealt  out,  un- 
sparingly, by  the  murderous  rifle  and  musket.  Such 
events,  however,  were  exceedingly  rare  in  the  early  his- 
tory of  our  own  place  ;  few,  or  no  feuds  existing  between 
our  pioneers  and  their  Indian  neighbors.  But  the  red 
race  was  doomed,  and  its  inevitable  destiny  was  to  fade 
before  the  white ;  in  vain  with  desperate  courage,  they 
essayed  to  stem  the  tide  which  was  slowly,  but  surely, 
bearing  them  down.  With  all  their  bravery,  their 
strength,  and  their  cunning,  they  could  not  resist  the  cur- 
rent which  swept  them  away.  Here  and  there  a  scatter- 
ed handful  obstinately  maintained  their  ground  for  a  brief 


16  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    CASEY. 

period,  but  they  too  were  forced  at  last  to  abandon  the 
contest  and  the  field,  and  their  dearly  loved  hunting 
grounds  passed  forever  from  their  possession.  The  smoke 
was  no  more  seen  floating  from  their  huts ;  their  war-whoop 
no  lohger  startled  the  ear  ;  their  council  fires  have  long 
since  died  out,  and  their  very  bones  are  disturbed  from 
their  resting  place  to  make  room  for  the  white  man's  in- 
vention. And  in  our  day,  as  you  all  know,  the  strong 
hold  of  their  most  powerful  Sachem,  is  dedicated  to  the 
sacred  object  of  receiving  the  remains  of  those  who  have 
descended  from  the  very  pioneers,  whose  advent  that  Sa- 
chem witnessed.  But  time  rolls  on,  and  now  on  either 
bank  of  .the  river  and  at  some  distance  from  it,  there  are 
scattered  about  houses  of  goodly  size,  at  least,  if  not 
pleasingly  shaped  and  proportioned ;  meeting  houses 
and  school  houses  too,  occur,  as  you  travel  along  the 
beaten  paths  which  at  this  time  traversed  the  country — 
and  vessels  of  considerable  size  are  not  wanting  to  add 
attraction  to  the  river  scenery.  Everywhere  are  evi- 
dent the  signs  of  peace  and  prosperity.  Alas,  that  they 
should  be  so  soon  interrupted. 

Something  over  a  century  had  passed,  when  the  sound 
of  war  is  again  heard  through  the  land,  and  the  earth 
trembles  beneath  the  tread  of  marching  columns  and 
lumbering  artillery;  the  fierce  rattle  of  musketry  and 
the  heavy  booming  of  cannon  in  different  quarters,  an- 
nounce the  impending  conflict.  It  is  not  now  a  contest 
between  different  races,  but  brother  meets  brother  in  the 
field  of  strife,  and  the  blood  of  hostile  kindred  and 
neighbors  is  mingled  upon  the  plain.  Drawn  from  their 
quiet  homes  and  peaceful  occupations,  our  ancestors 
shouldered  their  muskets,  and  hastened  at  the  call  of 
their  country,  to  meet  and  resist  that  country's  oppres- 
sors. Bravely  they  bore  themselves  in  the  various  bat- 


ADDRESS    Or    DR.    CASEY.  17 

ties,  and  stoutly  they  endured  and  went  through  the 
hard  trials  and  struggles  of  the  Revolutionary  period  ; 
and  no  better  soldiers  served  through  those  campaigns 
than  the  troops  of  Connecticut.  But  the  war  at  last  is 
ended,  and  those  brave  men  return  to  their  homes,  and 
resume  their  accustomed  toil ;  the  sword  is  exchanged  for 
the  plough-share,  and  the  bayonet  for  the  sickle,  and 
again  the  tide  of  prosperity  sets  onward  ;  and  gradually 
but  steadily  our  town  increased  in  extent  and  popula- 
tion ;  numerous  ships  and  smaller  craft  were  built  at 
our  wharves  ;  manufactories  of  various  kinds  were  es- 
tablished and  put  in  operation ;  persons  of  wealth  and  dis- 
tinction here  sought  a  home,  and  Middletown  was  known 
far  and  wide,  as  a  beautiful  and  thriving  place.  But 
once  again  the  note  of  preparation  is  sounded ;  our  for- 
mer enemy  has  made  new  aggressions,  and  ever  ready 
at  the  call  of  duty,  our  town  furnishes  its  quota  of  men 
and  means.  Many  a  battle  witnessed  the  good  conduct 
of  our  townsmen,  and  Lake  Champlain  added  its  crown- 
ing glory ;  for  the  result  of  that  engagement  immortal- 
ized the  gallant  commander,  whose  name  and  whose  de- 
scendants yet  live  amongst  us. 

Turn  we  however  from  war  and  its  praises.  A  speedy 
peace  having  been  wrested  from  our  antagonists,  its  re- 
sults are  quickly  apparent,  and  once  more  we  are  engaged 
in  those  pursuits  and  occupations  more  congenial  to  our 
taste.  It  is  unnecessary  for  me  to  dwell  upon  the  period 
succeeding  the  war  of  1812,  as  most  of  those  now  before 
me  are  familiar  with  its  history.  I  pass  rapidly  by  it, 
merely  remarking  that  the  town  remained  nearly  sta- 
tionary. During  this  time,  however,  was  established  the 
Military  Academy,  which  was  the  nursery  of  many  who 
have  since  been  distinguished  in  the  different  pursuits 
and  occupations  of  life.  It  may  be  proper  to  allude 


18  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    CASEY. 

again  in  this  connection  to  military  matters,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  reminding  you,  that  our  place  was,  as  before, 
well  and  ably  represented  on  the  fields  and  waters  of 
Mexico,  wherever  and  whenever  there  was  need  of  effi- 
cient service. 

We  are  brought  now  in  the  course  of  events,  to  the 
present  point  of  time,  respecting  which  I  design  briefly 
to  offer  a  few  observations,  which,  I  trust,  will  not  be 
deemed  out  of  place  on  this  occasion.  Further,  I  claim 
your  respectful  attention,  not  on  account  of  their  own 
intrinsic  excellence  or  profundity,  but  because  they  con- 
cern us  all,  as  inhabitants  of  the  place,  and  consequently 
participators  in  its  fortunes  and  reputation.  We  seem 
to  have  reached  a  stopping  place,  and  I  fear,  are  in  some 
danger  of  paralysis,  even  if  not  threatened  with  decline. 
Let  us  briefly  inquire  into  our  condition. 

On  most  accounts  we  have  reason  to  be  proud  of  our 
town.  Blessed  with  all  the  advantages  of  nature  and 
art ;  with  a  fertile  soil  and  salubrious  climate,  easily  ac- 
cessible by  land  and  water,  and  delightfully  situated, 
the  Sun  in  his  daily  circuit  shines  on  no  lovelier  place 
than  our  own.  Washed  along  its  eastern  border  by  the 
'  long'  and  beautiful  river,  and  embraced  on  the  west 
by-  a  chain  of  picturesque  hills  ;  serried  in  every  direc- 
tion by  rivulets,  that  afford  an  abundance  of  manufac- 
turing power ;  from  every  valley,  and  from  almost  every 
hill  side  there  goes  up  unceasingly  the  sound  of  indus- 
try and  activity.  The  seat  of  an  excellent  Literary  In- 
stitution ;  abundantly  provided  with  Schools  and  Church- 
es ;  the  earth  in  most  places  yielding  a  rich  increase ; 
the  very  rocks  furnishing  a  source  of  wealth, — what 
can  we  want  more,  to  fill  our  cup  with  blessings  1  Our 
townsmen  are  heard  of  and  known  in  all  quarters  of  the 
globe ;  they  may  be  found  in  the  golden  mountains  of 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    CASEY.  19 

California,  and  in  the  frozen  seas  of  the  Arctic  Circle ; 
they  have  visited  the  Celestial  Empire,  and  sipped  their 
tea  in  its  native  gardens.      In  benighted  Africa  you  will 
find  them,  engaged  in  their  labors  of  love  and  benevo- 
lence ;  amid  the   ruins  of  Central  America  they  have 
left  their  traces  ;  they  have  sailed  up  the  Nile,  and  stood 
upon  the  top  of  the  Pyramids ;  and  it  is  told,  though 
the  account  may  be  somewhat  apochryphal,  that  they 
have  opened  a  house  of  refreshment  on  the  track  through 
the  Great  Desert !    In  short,  wherever  the  stars  and  the 
stripes  have  been  unfolded  to  the  breeze,  there  have  some 
of  our  adventurous  brethren  been  present,  to  salute  the 
flag.     They  have   graced  the  saloons  of  the  noble  and 
the  wealthy  in  other  lands,  and  have  given  high  character 
to  the   national  Councils  of  our   own.      The   products 
of  their  talents,  ingenuity  and  industry,  have  found  their 
way  wherever  civilization  has   entered ;   and  the   very 
heathen  have  had  reason  to  bless  the  existence  of  our 
people.     Do  we  lack  any  thing,  then,  it  may  be  asked, 
which   would    alike   contribute   to  our  happiness,    and 
advance  our  prosperity  ?     Bear  with  me  a  moment,  while 
I  enumerate  a  few  requisites,  yet  wanting,  to  perfect  the 
character  of  our  town.     And  first,  we  want  more  public 
spirit ;  that  feeling,  which  induces  individuals  to  sacrifice 
some  merely  personal  or  local  interest,  for  the  promotion 
of  the  general  good.     More  liberality  of  sentiment,  and 
action  too,  which  after  all  is  the  true  secret  of  advance- 
ment.    More  enthusiasm,  more  union  and  harmony,  on 
all  matters  of  public  interest  and  welfare.     We  want, 
moreover,  to  get  rid  of  various  little  local  and  sectional 
jealousies,  which  detract  from  our  character,  and  place 
obstacles  in  the  way  of  our  improvement.     We  want  a 
more  lively  faith  in  the  indisputable  fact,  that  what  is 
for  the  benefit  of  one  portion  or  class  of  our  citizens,  ex» 

2 


20  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    CASEY. 

tends  its  beneficial  influence  throughout  the  whole  com- 
munity. We  want  also,  somewhat  more  of  reverence  for 
age  and  antiquity.  One  of  the  great  characteristics  of 
the  present  generation  is  a  fondness  for  novelty,  and  un- 
questionably this  is  often  a  useful  stimulus ;  but  in  grasp- 
ing after  and  adopting  everything  that  is  new,  let  us  not 
on  that  account,  affect  to  despise  everything  that  is  old. 
Hundreds  of  years  ago,  the  Hebrew  sage  asserted  that 
there  was  nothing  new  under  the  sun ;  and  if  we  are  not 
disposed  to  receive  this  as  a  literal  verity,  we  must 
nevertheless  acknowledge,  that  human  aifairs  move  very 
much  in  circles  ;  what,  years  ago,  was  at  the  bottom  of 
the  wheel  and  almost  forgotten,  again  comes  to  the  top, 
and  with  a  new  dress  and  a  different  name,  is  eagerly 
run  after  as  something  entirely  new.  Now,  one  great 
effect  of  such  celebrations  as  the  present,  is  to  draw  off 
the  mind  from  a  too  eager  pursuit  of  novelty,  and  by 
carrying  us  back  a  century  or  two,  to  make  us  sensible  of 
the  fact,  that  every  thing  before  and  around  us,  is  not  our 
own  work,  and  due  to  our  own  exertions,  and  did  not  all 
at  once  start  into  perfection,  but  was  the  slow  growth  of 
ages,  and  only  attained  after  much  toil  and  suffering. 
Let  us  not  speak  lightly  then,  but  rather  with  reverence 
and  respect  of  our  forefathers ;  let  us  remember  how 
much  they  had  to  encounter,  upon  their  entrance  into  this 
now  highly  favored  place ;  and  let  the  contemplation  of 
its  past  history  diminish  our  self-complacency,  while  it 
enlarges  our  views,  and  stimulates  us  to  greater  and 
more  united  exertions. 

There  are  many  other  advantages  arising  from  these 
celebrations,  which  I  will  barely  allude  to.  They  encour- 
age a  love  of  home  :  by  increasing  its  attraction,  they  draw 
back  the  wanderer  to  his  birth-place,  and  quiet  in  a  meas- 
ure that  restless  spirit  of  change,  which  is  somewhat  too 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    CASEY.  21 

striking  a  feature  of  the  New  England  character.  They 
revive  old  and  pleasing  associations,  and  brighten  the 
chain  of  past  friendships,  which  time's  rust  had  well  nigh 
severed.  They  foster  a  spirit  of  enquiry  and  investiga- 
tion ;  they  add  to  our  stores  of  knowledge,  by  leading  to 
the  collection  of  historical  facts,  many  of  them  perhaps 
just  on  the  point  of  being  lost  forever  ;  they  serve  as  con- 
necting links  between  different  ages  and  periods,  and  as 
landmarks,  by  which  future  generations  can  trace  back 
their  progress  from  infancy  to  maturity. 

They  change  the  current  of  our  feelings,  running  per- 
haps too  strongly  upon  the  perishable  things  of  earth — 
they  elevate  the  mind  above  the  mere  present,  and  carry 
the  thoughts  far  forward  beyond  its  fleeting  limits ;  for 
in  the  faithful  mirror  of  the  past,  we  see,  as  it  were, 
ourselves  projected  into  the  future,  and  can  infer  from 
the  reflection  there  presented,  the  estimation  in  which 
coming  ages  will  hold  the  now  existing  race.  They  thus 
serve  as  a  medium  of  comparison,  by  which  we  should  not 
only  learn  to  judge,  but  also  to  improve  ourselves  ;  and 
the  result  of  this  voluntary  self-examination,  when  care- 
fully and  candidly  instituted,  must  diminish  our  self-es- 
teem and  expand  our  charity. 

What  can  be  more  delightful,  what  more  beneficial, 
than  the  re-unions  effected  by  such  occasions,  as  that 
which  has  this  day  brought  us  together ! 

Every  county,  nay,  every  town  in  New  England,  may 
be  considered  as  a  nursery,  wherein  are  reared  those  in- 
dividuals, whose  genius,  talents,  and  virtues,  have  so 
strongly  impressed  their  characteristics  upon  the  whole 
American  people.  Acquiring  the  rudiments  of  educa- 
tion in  the  district  schools  of  their  native  places  ;  improv- 
ing their  minds,  and  their  powers,  by  the  steady,  but 
varied  use  of  every  faculty ;  with  habits  of  industry  and 


22  ADDRESS    Or    DR.    CASEY. 

keen  observation,  and  great  facility  of  adapting  them- 
selves to  almost  any  situation  and  circumstances,  in  which 
they  may  be  placed,  they  leave  the  paternal  roof,  and 
spread  themselves  over  the  length  and  breadth  of  the 
country,  in  search  of  a  wider  field  for  the  exercise  of 
their  talents,  or  in  the  hoj>e  of  more  speedily  acquiring 
the  means  of  indulging  their  tastes  and  fancies.  You 
will  find  them  everywhere  ;  engaged  in  every  variety  of 
occupation,  and  filling  every  kind  and  degree  of  private 
and  official  station. 

They  teach  our  schools — they  edit  our  papers — they 
navigate  our  ships — they  extend  our  commerce  abroad, 
and  our  trade  at  home — they  regulate  our  time — and 
they  make  our  laws.  In  the  workshop,  the  counting 
house,  or  the  legislative  hall,  they  are  equally  at  home. 
From  them  chiefly,  are  recruited  the  ranks  of  the  vari- 
ous professions  ;  and  when  you  hear  of  any  one  in  either 
of  them,  who  has  acheived  a  lofty  and  commanding  repu- 
tation, or  who  has  distinguished  himself  by  any  particu- 
lar excellence,  you  may  be  almost  certain,  that  man  is  a 
Yankee. 

The  coarse  of  time  rolls  on,  and  year  after  year  adds 
to  the  number  of  expatriated  New  Englanders.  Think 
you,  that  during  all  this  time,  their  hearts  have  not 
yearned,  again  to  behold  their  birth  places,  and  once 
more  to  revisit  the  scenes  of  their  childhood  and  early 
associations  1  Think  you,  they  do  not  often  in  fancy, 
play  over  their  youthful  sports  upon  their  native  village 
green,  and  tread  again  the  well-remembered  roads  and 
paths,  through  which  their  youthful  feet  so  often  strayed  1 
Think  ,you  they  do  not  recall  to  mind  their  former  play- 
mates and  associates,  and  ardently  long  for  some  occa- 
sion, which  should  revive  those  friendships,  and  restore 
those  early  days  1  Aye,  do  they :  and  right  gladly  an, I 


ADDHESS    OF    DR.    CASEY.  23 

promptly  do  they  obey  the  summons,  and  embrace  the 
opportunity,  which  such  a  celebration  as  the  present  fur- 
nishes them.  Joyfully  they  hasten  to  the  old  home,  and 
heartily  they  greet  their  early  companions  ;  and  through 
many  a  year  afterwards,  will  memory  love  to  linger  up- 
on this  happy  meeting  ;  and  in  many  an"  hour  hereafter, 
amid  the  cares  of  business,  the  whirl  of  pleasure,  or  ia 
the  intervals  of  engrossing  occupations,  will  such  a  scene, 
and  such  an  occasion  come  back  to  the  mind,  soothing 
its  perplexities,  alleviating  its  sorrows,  and  refining  its 
enjoyments.  Like  an  oasis  in  the  desert,  will  it  serve 
not  only  for  present  delight,  but  as  a  perpetual  theme 
for  grateful  recollection ;  and  not  until  the  shades  of 
life's  evening  gather  around  them,  and  the  palsying  hand 
of  decay  obscures  their  failing  faculties,  will  they  cease 
to  remember,  or  be  thankful  for,  the  privilege  which 
you  have  this  day  enjoyed. 

Few,  or  none  of  those  now  before  me,  it  may  safely  be 
said,  will  ever  witness  the  return  of  another  Centennial 
Anniversary ;  but  a  hundred  years  hence,  your  children, 
and  your  children's  children  will  celebrate  it,  doubtless, 
on  a  scale  of  magnificence,  of  which,  we  who  are  here, 
can  now  form  no  conception.  Instead  of  the  hundreds, 
who  have  this  day  assembled  together,  to  do  honor  to  the 
occasion,  there  will  be  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands, 
gathered  within  some  vast  and  spacious  edifice,  to  listen 
to  the  history  of  their  forefathers'  advent.  The  now 
quiet  little  place  which  is  our  residence,  will  then,  per- 
haps, be  transformed  into  an  extensive  and  busy  city,  and 
from  its  lofty  mansions  and  comfortable  dwellings,  will 
pour  out  a  countless  multitude,  all  animated  with  the 
zeal  and  spirit  which  such  an  occasion  should  call  forth. 
From  all  quarters  of  this  wide-spread  and  mighty  conti- 
nent, will  be  collected  the  descendants  of  those  now  on 
2* 


24  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    CASEY. 

the  stage,  and  those  who  have  preceeded  them.  From 
the  South  and  the  West,  aye,  even  from  the  very  borders 
of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  it  may  he,  will  the  iron  horse  speed 
them  to  the  land  where  their  first  breath  was  drawn.  And 
here,  where  we  are  now  making  this  humble  endeavor  to 
cherish  and  preserve  the  memory  of  our  simple  hearted, 
but  earnest  and  persevering  ancestors,  and  to  perpetuate 
the  record  of  their  trials,  and  struggles,  and  sufferings, 
will  another  generation  perform  the  same  pious  and  grate- 
ful duty  for  us.  Then,  when  we  are  "  sleeping  that 
sleep  which  knows  no  waking ;"  when  our  bones  shall 
have  mouldered  into  dust,  and  our  ashes  lie  mingled  with 
those  of  our  predecessors  ;  when  our  very  names  shall  be 
old  ;  then,  I  say,  will  those,  our  descendants,  turn  with 
pride  and  gratitude,  to  the  printed  record  of  this  day's 
proceedings,  and  rejoice  that  this,  our  feeble  attempt  at 
the  commemoration  of  Middletown's  nativity,  was  not  suf- 
fered utterly  to  fail ;  that  the  facts,  which,  for  this  occa- 
sion have  been  gathered,  and  garnered  up  with  so  much 
care  and  patient  research,  were  rescued  from  the  obscurity 
which  was  fast  enshrouding  them,  and  snatched  from  an 
oblivion,  which  would,  ere  long,  have  been  irretrievable. 


HISTORICAL  ADDRESS; 


DELIVERED  AT  THE 


SECOND  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

IN  THE 

CITY  OF  MIDDLETOWN,  CONN,, 

November  13,  1850, 
BY   DAVID    D.    FIELD. 


HAD  the  author  of  the  following  Address,  when  requested  to 
deliver  it,  foreseen  the  sufferings  before  him  from  a  long  and 
distressing  rheumatic  affection,  prudence  would  have  prevented 
the  undertaking;  and  after  it  was  delivered,  and  a  copy  request- 
ed for  publication,  all  attempts  to  prepare  one  with  so  many  and 
long  notes  as  were  deemed  desirable  to  accompany  it.  His  error 
was.  that  he  flattered  himself  with  the  hope  of  a  speedy  recovery, 
and  so  has  occasioned  disappointment  and  long  delay.  But  now 
that  the  work  is  about  to  be  put  to  press,  he  feels  it  a  privilege 
to  express  his  gratitude  to  God,  for  restoring  him,  in  a  good  de- 
gree, to  health  ;  to  the  Committee,  and  his  numerous  friends  in 
Middletown  and  vicinity,  for  their  patient  waiting,  and  help,  in 
many  instances,  in  furnishing  him  with  facts.  Should  the  work 
contribute  to  help  them  and  their  children  to  keep  in  remem- 
brance the  privations  and  hardships,  the  zeal  and  piety  of  their 
ancestors,  and  stimulate  them  to  the  imitation  of  their  Christian 
virtues,  it  will  be  a  rich  reward. 

D.  D.  F. 

December.  1851. 


ADDRESS 


THE  English  Colonists  who  removed,  in  1636,  from  the 
vicinity  of  Boston  to  the  townships  of  Wethersfield, 
Hartford  and  Windsor,  were  invited  to  these  places  by 
the  Indian  inhabitants,  from  the  expectation  that  their 
settlement  among  them,  would  be  a  protection  from  the 
Mohawks,  whose  very  name  was  a  terror  to  them  on  the 
one  hand,  and  from  the  Pequots,  who  were  their  more 
immediate  dread  on  the  other.  How  well  founded  was 
their  expectation,  is  attested  by  the  wisdom  with  which 
the  Pequot  war  was  soon  undertaken,  and  the  valor  and 
success  with  which  it  was  prosecuted.  The  destruction 
of  these  malicious  and  dangerous  enemies  was  not  effect- 
ed fully  by  the  ruin  of  the  Mystic  fort,  nor  by  the  fight 
immediately  after,  with  Sassacus  and  his  men,  as  the 
victors  were  marching  to  their  vessels  hi  Pequot  harbor. 
These  were  sufficient  to  move  the  Pequots  at  the  Fort  of 
Sassacus,  to  burn  their  wigwams  and  disperse  in  ramb- 
ling parties ;  a  dispersion,  which  did  not  wholly  secure 
them  ;  for  the  General  Court  appointed  Capt.  Mason,  and 
furnished  him  with  men  to  prosecute  the  war :  some 
forces  were  sent  from  Massachusetts  for  this  purpose ; 
and  Indians,  who  had  been  inimical  to  the  Pequots,  wil- 
lingly came  forward  and  assisted  in  destroying  them. 
One  of  their  parties  was  taken  by  the  Massachusetts 
troops,  united  with  some  of  the  Narraganset  Indians. 
Another  party  crossed  Connecticut  river,  and  some  Eng- 


30  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD, 

lish  scouts  had  a  skirmish  with  them  on  a  hill  in  Say 
brook,  whence  they  fled  into  a  neighboring  swamp,  from 
which  the  hill  is  called  Pequot  Hill,  and  the  swamp  Pe- 
quot  Swamp,  to  this  day.  Their  course  was  near  the 
Sound.  A  few  of  them  were  pursued  by  some  English 
soldiers  and  by  some  Mohegans,  down  the  eastern  shore 
of  the  harbor  west  of  Guilford  Borough.  They  swam 
across  the  harbor,  but  were  taken  as  they  ascended  the 
opposite  bank.  Among  these  was  a  Sachem,  whom  Un- 
cas  shot  with  an  arrow.  He  cut  off  his  head,  and  put  it 
in  the  fork  of  an  oak,  where  the  skull  remained  many 
years.  From  this  transaction  the  harbor  has  ever  since 
been  called  Sachem's  Head.  The  fugitives  generally, 
proceeded  to  a  large  swamp  in  Fairfield,  whither  they 
were  pursued  and  surrounded  ;  about  20  were  killed  and 
180  taken  prisoners.  By  these  various  attacks  and  losses> 
the  destruction  of  the  Pequots  as  a  tribe  was  completed, 
though  numbers  escaped  and  fled  to  the  Mohawks.  It 
was  probably  well  for  the  Colonists  that  these  did  escape, 
for  their  melancholy  and  forlorn  condition  told  that  their 
tribe  was  no  more.  It  told  also,  what  bold  and  desperate 
fighters  those  Englishmen  were,  who  had  come  to  Con- 
necticut, and  how  hazardous  it  would  be  for  the  Mohawks 
to  contend  with  them,  and  those  whom  they  had  under- 
taken to  protect. 

The  destruction  of  the  Pequot  tribe  was  of  the  great- 
est importance  to  the  settlement  at  Saybrook,  and  to  the 
other  settlements  on  Connecticut  river.  It  struck  a  gen- 
eral terror  into  the  Indians  in  Connecticut,  and  beyond  it, 
and  prevented  their  rising  in  great  numbers  against  the 
English,  for  nearly  forty  years.  It  opened  fine  sites  for 
the  Colonists  on  the  Sound  ;  at  Guilford,  Branford,  New 
Haven,  Milford,  Stratford  and  Fairfield ;  sites  which  were 
speedily  occupied. 


ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD.  31 

Between  the  Pequot  war  and  the  war  of  King  Philip, 
settlements  in  New  England  were  multiplied,  and  acquir- 
ed strength  for  the  exigences  of  this  long  and  horrid  con- 
test, in  wMch  the  Connecticut  people,  by  reason  of  the 
union  of  New  England  Colonies  had  to  bear  their  part  in 
Airmailing  men  and  means  ;  a  union,  which,  in  addition  to 
the  benefits  to  the  colonies  themselves  for  the  time  being? 
may  have  suggested  the  importance  of  the  union  of  thir- 
teen colonies  a  century  afterward.  But  though  they  bore 
their  part,  they  retained  the  friendship  of  the  Connecti- 
cut Indians,  and  some  of  them  opposed  the  course  cf 
Philip.* 

But  why  was  not  Mattabesettf  at  once  settled  after 
the  Pequot  war  ?  Those  who  passed  down  the  river  saw 
the  lands  from  the  banks.  But  along  these  were  no  such 
wide  alluvial  grounds  as  there  were  further  up  the  river, 
nor  such  flat  and  clearly  arable  lands,  specially  im- 
portant at  the  time,  as  appeared  in  some  places  on  "the 
Sound.  For  a  mile  or  more  immediately  noi'th  of  the 
present  city,  the  lands  seemed  to  be  too  low  and  wet  to 
be  drained  and  converted,  even  into  meadows ;  too  mucia 
covered  and  entangled  by  thickets  to  be  reclaimed  by 
persons  in  the  circumstances  of  the  colonists.  They 
were  regarded  doubtless  as  a  dead  swamp,  as  the  low 
lands  were  at  the  Nooks  in  the  Upper  Houses.  TbS 
beauty  and  richness  which  strike  the  eye  in  the  great 
amphitheatre  before  us  did  not  appear.  The  river  itself 
and  its  graceful  turn  eastward,  were  obscured  by  im- 
mense trees,  which  had  been  striking  their  roots  into  the 
banks  for  ages,  and  stretching  out  their  branches  till  they 
drooped  in  the  stream.  The  cliffs  of  the  Portland  stone 

*  Trumbull,  vol.  1.,  pp.  368,  9. 
f  The  Indian  name  for  Middletown. 
3 


32  ADDRESS   OF    DR. 

also  stood  shelving  and  frowning  over  it.  Industry  and 
art  were  needed  to  remove  the  primeval  forests  and  let  in 
the  rays  of  the  sun  upon  the  water  and  \he  land,  that 
this  glorious  scenery  might  be  revealed.  Num«otis  sec- 
tions of  good  lands  west,  and  back  from  the  river,  had 
not  then  been  examined,  probably  by  any  English  ey<*. 

Another  cause  concurred  to  prevent  an  early  settle- 
ment. A  large  Indian  tribe  existed  here,  who  were  more 
than  suspected  of  being  enemies  to  the  English.  Their 
great  sachem,  Sowhcag,  had  his  castle  on  the  high 
ground,  back  from  the  river,  in  the  north  part  of  the 
city,  and  was  able  thence  to  call  around  him  many  warri- 
ors, whose  wigwams  stood  thick  on  both  sides  of  the 
Connecticut,  at  points  particularly  desirable  for  settle- 
ments. His  authority  spread  over  a  large  territory,  over 
the  Piquaug  or  Wethersfield  Indians,  over  a  clan  on  the 
north-western  branch  of  the  Little  River  in  Berlin,  if  he 
had  not  some  right  and  sway  among  the  Farmington  In- 
dians.* In  April  16\7,  some  of  his  Indians  had  con- 
ducted and  aided  the  Pequots  in  the  excursion  which  they 
made  into  Wethersfield,  where  they  killed  six  men  and 
three  women,  arid  took  two  maids  captive.  Sowheag  en- 
tertained the  murderers  and  treated  the  people  of  Weth- 
ersfield in  a  haughty  and  insulting  manner.  It  seems 
that  they  had  previously  offered  him  some  provocation. 

*  In  the  His.  Discourse,  by  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  jr.,  now  Professor  of 
Moral  Philosophy  in  Yale  College,  delivered  at  Farmington  in  1&40,  after 
stating  how  that  large  township  was  obtained  from  the  Indians,  and  how 
the  title  was  confirmed  by  two  successive  agreements,  the  first  in  1650,  and 
the  second  in  1673,  ho  observes,  that  "in  1651  Massacopc  gives  a  quitclaim 
deed  of  all  this  land,  that  he  was  probably  a  Mattabesett  Indian,  and  with 
bis  son  signs  tho  agreement  for  valuable  considerations  and  gratification  at 
the  time  of  sale."  Not  satisfied  with  the  "  limits  as  specified  in  the  deed, 
ho  went  oat  and  for  himself  examined  and  marked  the  boundaries." 


ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD.  33 

The  General  Court  were  therefore  disposed  to  forgive 
him,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  compromise  all  diffi- 
culties. But  he  wholly  refused  to  give  up  the  murder- 
ers, even  after  the  destruction  of  the  Pequot  tribe,  and 
continued  his  outrages  against  the  English,  The  Court 
therefore,  in  August,  1689,  determined  to  send  one  hun- 
dred men  there  to  take  the  delinquents  by  force.  They 
notified  their  friends  at  New  Haven  of  their  determina- 
tion, both  that  they  might  receive  their  approbation  in 
an  undertaking  «f  such  general  concern,  and  that  they 
might  eiake  the  necessary  arrangements  for  defending 
themselves.  Governor  Eaton  and  his  council  viewed  it 
important  the  murderers  should  be  brought  to  punish- 
ment ;  but  in  existing  circumstances  deemed  the  meas- 
ures proposed  inexpedient,  and  dissuaded  the  Connecti- 
cut Colony  from  executing  their  purpose.  In  such  cir- 
cumstances, it  is  no  wonder  that  a  few  English  emigrants 
were  unwilling  at  once  to  come  and  settle  near  Sowheag 
and  his  warriors,  who  had  all  the  lurking  places  for 
mischief  many  miles  around,  especially  as  those  who 
•wished  to  settle  in  Connecticut  could  find  good  lands 
among  the  planters  above  on  the  river,  or  in  the  settle- 
ments which  had  sprung  up  on  the  Sound. 

A  settlemeat  however,  was  contemplated  in  Mattabe- 
sett,  before  the  session  of  the  General  Court  in  October, 
1646 ;  probably  some  months  before,  for  on  the  30th  of 
October  in  that  year,  the  General  Court  appointed  a  Mr. 
Phelps  to  join  a  Committee  for  the  planting  of  Mattabe- 
sett.  The  Committee  already  existed.  What  the  en- 
larged Committee  did  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  ob- 
ject; how  soon  and  thoroughly  they  examined  the 
grounds,  fixed  on  sites  for  the  beginning  of  settlements, 
and  had  the  names  of  persons  enrolled,  who  had  engaged 
and  were  preparing  to  pome  and  put  up  dwellings?  w$ 


34  ADDRESS   OF    DH.    FIELD. 

are  not  expressly  informed.  They  do  not  appear  to  have 
made  rapid  progress,  for  on  the  20th  of  March,  1649-50, 
(1650  according  to  our  mode  of  dating,)  Samuel  Smithr 
gen.,  of  Wcthor.sficld,  was  appointed  a  member  of  the 
Committee  in  the  place  of  one  that  would  not  act.  This 
year  the  settlement  is  understood  to  have  been  commenc- 
ed, but  by  how  many  precisely,  and  in  what  part  of  the 
year  we  are  not  informed,  for  a  few  of  the  first  pages  of 
the  Town  Records  arc  lost,  and  others  are  nearly  oblit- 
erated. Few  came  at  first,  but  a  considerable  number 
before  the  close  of  the  next  year,  for  on  the  llth  of  Sep- 
tember, 1651,  the  General  Court  "  ordered  that  Matta- 
besett  should  be  a  town,"  and  that  the  inhabitants  should 
make  choice  of  one  of  their  number  to  take  the  oath  of 
Constable.  This  year  too,  the  town  was  ordered  to  be 
rated.  In  the  Autumn  "  of  1652  the  town  was  represent- 
ed in  the  General  Court,  and  in  November,  1653,  the 
General  Court  further  approved  that  the  name  of  the 
plantation,  commonly  called  Mattabeseek,  should  for  time 
to  come,  be  called  Middletown."  The  number  of  taxa- 
ble persons  in  1654,  was  thirty  one.  It  has  been  sug- 
gested, that  the  name  of  Middletown  was  given  to  the 
township,  because  it  lay  between  the  towns  up  the  river 
and  Saybrook  at  its  mouth  ;  but  it  is  far  raore  probable 
that  it  was  taken  from  some  town  in  England,  for  which 
the  settlers  had  a  particular  regard. 

Before  the  commencement  of  the  settlement,  Sowheag 
had  given  to  Mr.  Haynes,  Governor  of  Connecticut  a 
great  part  of  the  township,  for  which  a  consideration  was 
given  in  return.  But  the  Indian  title  was  not  wholly  ex- 
tinguished until  about  twelve  years  after.  Then  Sow- 
heag having  probably  deceased,  or  become  imbecile,  cer- 
tain chiefs,  knowing  what  he  had  done,  for  a  further  and 
full  consideration,  gave  to  Samuel  Wyllys  and  others, 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  35 

acting  iii  behalf  of  the  town,  all  the  land  between  Wetli- 
ersfield,  (then  including  Glastenbury,)  and  Haddam,"  to 
run  from  the  great  river  the  whole  breadth  east,  six 
miles,  and  from  the  great  river  west  as  far  as  the  Gener- 
al Court  of  Connecticut  had  granted  the  bounds  should 
extend  ;"  a  distance  which  will  be  noticed  as  AVC  proceed ; 
excepting  a  tract  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  pre- 
viously laid  out  to  Sawsean  to  remain  his  forever,  and 
three  hundred  acres  reserved  for  the  heirs  of  Sowhcag 
and  Mattabesett  Indians  to  be  laid  out  on  the  cast  side.* 

When  Indians  sold  lands,  they  were  in  the  habit  of  re- 
serving, besides  the  exclusive  right  to  small  definite  tracts, 
the  right  of  hunting  and  fishing  where  they  pleased,  and 
of  cutting  saplings  for  their  simple  articles  of  manufac- 
ture, so  that  the  lands  were  nearly  of  as  much  value  to 
them  after  they  were  sold  as  before,  until  the  Colonists 
made  very  considerable  advances  in  clearing  and  cultiva- 
tion. Though  such  reservation  is  not  mentioned  in  the 
deed  of  the  Indians  to  Mr.  Wyllys  and  others,  the  right 
was  probably  considered  as  remaining. 

The  reservation  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  was  in 
the  neighborhood  called  Newfield,  and  up  that  street  the 
Indians  had  a  cemetery  previously  to  the  settlement  of 
the  English  among  them,  with  rude  monuments  placed 
over  their  dead ;  on  them  were  drawn  such  devices  as 
corresponded  with  their  superstitions,  and  such  as  they 
were  able  to  prepare  with  their  rude  instruments.  Some 
of  these  remained  on  the  ground,  or  in  a  stone  wall  fencing 
it,  within  the  memory  of  a  few  persons  now  living.  The 
Aborigines  were  numerous  about  the  north-west  part  of 
the  city,  long  after  the  English  settlements  began. 

The  Little  River,  Avhere  the  bridge  crosses  it  from  the 
city  to  Newfield,  was  the  head  of  navigation  for  their 

*  Note  A. 

3* 


80  ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FIELD. 

* 

water  craft,  as  they  returned  from  trips  up  and  down  the 
Connecticut,  loaded  with  game,  peltries  and  fish.  They 
held  lands  there  until  1713. 

The  reservation  east  of  the  river,  was  laid  out  partly 
on  Indian  Hill,  and  partly  a  little  eastward  of  the  first 
Congregational  Church,  built  in  what  is  now  Portland. — 
This  was  held  by  them  until  1767,  when  having  dwindled 
to  a  small  number,  they  sold  their  right  and  united  with 
the  Farmington  Indians. 

At  Indian  Hill  was  a  famous  grave-yard,  where  in 
some  instances,  monuments  were  erected  over  the  graves 
with  inscriptions  after  the  English  manner.  The  early 
chiefs  and  principal  men  were  doubtless  buried  on  the 
west  side  of  the  river.  But  after  the  settlement  of  the 
remnant  of  the  tribe  in  Portland,  some  in  whose  veins 
ran  a  portion  of  noble  blood,  were  doubtless  buried  at 
Indian  Hill.* 

Here  as  elsewhere,  they  buried  their  dead  sometimes 
in  a  sitting  posture ;  and  believing  that  those  whom  they 
regarded  as  good  men,  would  have  wants  and  enjoyments 
in  a  future  world  corresponding  with  those  possessed 
here,  they  buried  with  them  for  their  gratification  on  their 
way  to  eternity ,or  their  enjoyment  after  their  arrival  there, 
food,  utensils,  arms,  ornaments  and  wampum. f 

*  The  Mohegans  it  is  understood  used  to  visit  the  Mattabesetts,  at 
least  after  the  collection  of  the  remnant  of  the  tribe  in  Portland.  There 
js  a  tradition  that  one  of  the  Mohegans,  supposed  to  be  a  descendant  of 
the  great  Uncas,  or  Onckous,  visited  them  and  died  among  them  of  tho 
small  pox.  A  grave  stone  which  once  stood  on  Indian  Hill,  not  long  since 
found,  is  confirmatory  of  the  tradition  ;  for  on  this  it  is  written  :  "  Hero 
lies  the  body  of  John  Onckous,  who  died  Aug.  the  30,  1722,  aged  26  years, 
t  As  specimens  of  this,  the  contents  of  three  graves  opened  in  tho 
Spring  of  1808,  may  be  mentioned — one  of  a  man,  and  two  of  children. 
The  man  was  placed  sitting,  wrapped  in  a  blanket,  (which  was  not  entire- 
ly consumed,  but  upon  exposure  to  the  air  became  as  burnt  straw);  in  his 


ADDRESS  OF  DR.  FIELD. 

Besides  the  cemeteries  just  mentioned,  evidences  of 
the  burial  of  the  natives  have  been  found  on  the  left  bank 
of  Taylor's  Creek,  as  it  enters  the  Connecticut.  Their 
bones  have  also  been  found  recently,  west  of  the  river  in 
excavations  made  for  the  Branch  Railroad  from  the  city. 

The  Indians  east  of  the  river  were  sometimes  called 
Wongonks  or  Worigums,  but  the  reservation  being  for  the 
heirs  of  Sowheag  and  Mattabesett  Indians,  those  are 
only  other  names  for  the  same  tribe,  or  a  remnant  of  it. 
A  class  also  that  inhabited  or  frequented  the  region  about 
Pokatapaug  Pond  in  East  Hampton,  and  had  a  favorite 
place  of  rendesvous  on  the  principal  island  which  the 
pond  incloses,  were  in  all  probability  Mattabesetts.  The 
island  *  is  sometimes  said  to  have  been  owned  by  an  In- 

lap  were  two  small  brass  kettles,  probably  filled  with  soup  or  succotash  at 
the  time  of  burial,  one  of  which  had  sunk  down  into  the  other,  in  which 
were  a  spoon,  knife,  phial,  and  pipe.  His  arm  was  extended  round  the 
kettles,  and  where  the  flesh  came  in  contact  with  the  brass,  from  the  elbow 
to  the  wrist,  the  flesh  was  preserved.  In  the  hand  of  one  of  the  children 
was  found  a  brass  cup  of  the  size  of  a  tea  cup,  and  here  again  the  flesh  on 
the  fingers  was  preserved,  where  they  came  against  the  brass.  Around 
t\ie  wrist  was  wampum  strung  on  deer  skin,  and  near  by,  beads  supposed 
to  have  been  placed  about  the  neck.  In  the  grave  of  the  other  child  was 
a  copper  box  containing  wampum. 

The  Indians  like  other  men,  wished  to  live  on  earth  as  long  as  they 
could,  believing  as  they  did  in  a  future  state  ;  and  to  cure  a  cold-  and 
many  other  complaints,  they  used  to  stand  on  a  hot  stone  rolled  into  a  hole 
dug  in  the  earth,  until  they  were  brought  into  a  profuse  sweat,  and  then 
plunged  into  water  A  lot  at  Indian  Hill  is  called  Hot  House  lot,  because 
it  had  one  of  these  holes  in  it. 


*  When  the  water  is  high,  it  flows  over  the  middle  of  this  Island  and 
makes  it  two  islands  It  contains  about  nine  acres,  though  it  has  been 
reported  as  much  less.  On  the  western  side  are  steps  visible  when  tho 
water  is  low,  supposed  to  have  been  laid  there  by  the  Natives,  for  their 
convenience  in  visiting  it.  That  they  were  much  about  the  pond  is  evi- 


868-14 


38  ADDRESS    OF    DU.    FIELD. 

di;in  whose  name  was  Tarramuggus,  ami  the  name  of 
such  an  Indian  is  appended  as  a  witness  to  the  deed  of 
which  we  have  spoken.  lie  may  have  bet  n  the  principal 
man  of  the  class  ;  hut  the  deed  signed  hy  others,  convey- 
ed to  the  English  this  and  all  their  pond-;  in  Middlcto\vn. 

In  closing  these  remarks  al.ont  the  Indians,  it  is  but 
simple  justice  to  add,  that  had  as  So\vheag  and  his  men 
were  thought  to  be  fur  a  time,  it  is  not  known  that  they 
were  unusually  troublesome  to  the  English  after  the  settle- 
ment commenced.  But  they  are  gone  from  thi<  region, 
long  since  extinet  as  a  tribe,  and  who  knoweth  that  their 
blood  runs  in  the  veins  of  any  living  creature. 

And  now  the  question  arises,  who  were  the  first  colo- 
nists ?  and  how  did  the  settlement  proceed  ? 

In  reply  to  the  first  question,  we  are  only  able  to  say 
with  certainty,  such  being  the  defects  of  the  records,  who 
were  among  the  early  settlers,  rather  than  who  were  cer- 
tainly the  very  first.  The  earliest  remaining  entry  on 
the  town  books,  is  dated  Feb.  2,  1052  ;  and  that  is  a 
vote  for  building  a  meeting  house.  There  were  people 
enough  before,  to  constitute  a  little  assembly  for  the  wor- 
ship of  God,  and  when  neither  the  season  nor  the  weath- 
er drove  them  to  one  of  their  temporary  duellings  or 
shantees,  the  shade  of  that  vast  elm  which  had  stood  for 
ages  unknown,  at  the  entrance  of  the  old  grave  yard,  was 
their  temple.  Thus  saith  tradition. 

The  vote  for  building  a  meeting-house  was  speedily  ex- 
cuted.  The  edifice  was  only  twenty  feet  square,  ten 
from  sill  to  plate,  and  was  enclosed  with  palisades.  It 
stood  on  the  open  green,  (which  may  have  been  larger 

dent  from  the  rdlfoB  o£  their  implements  often  found  on  the  shores.  It  i* 
a  fine  sheet  of  water,  vhii-h  white  people  love  to  vi.-it  in  summer,  both  for 
tlio  pleasure  of  sailing  and  fishing. 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  39 

than  now,)  a  little  west  or  north-west  of  the  first  English 
grave  yard.  This  sufficed  the  people  eighteen  years  ; 
eight  after  the  second  grant  of  land  from  the  Indians. 

From  this  house  some  important  surveys  were  made, 
for  in  March,  1G63,  the  General  Court  "  granted  that 
the  bounds  of  Middletown  be  extended  to  four  miles  to 
the  south  from  the  meeting-house,  five  mile's  from  the  said 
house  westward,  and  three  miles  from  the  great  river 
eastward."  Afterwards  the  territory  was  extended  east- 
ward three  miles  more.  By  this  grant  we  are  not  to  un- 
derstand, however,  that  the  township  through  its  whole 
length  from  Wcthersfield  [the  part  of  it  now  Rocky  Hill] 
southward,  was  to  be  uniformly  five  miles  in  breadth 
west  of  the  Connecticut,  and  six  miles  east.  The  west- 
ern boundary  is  a  north  and  south  line  ;  so  that  by  this 
course,  and  the  great  bend  in  the  river  eastward,  the 
breadth  some  part  of  the  distance  below  the  aforesaid 
starting  point,  expands  to  about  ten  miles.  The  breadth 
directly  opposite,  across  the  river,  is  much  more  than  six 
miles,  though  less  from  Middle  Haddam  Landing,  but 
more  than  six  on  an  average. 

In  January,  1659,  the  General  Court  granted  to  Mid- 
dletown, Wethersfi jld  and  Farmington,  all  the  vacant 
lands  between  their  bounds  and  the  bounds  of  Wnlling- 
ford,  (then  including  Meriden  and  Cheshire,)  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  a  new  plantation.  This  grant  covers  the 
tract  generally  now  constituting  Berlin,  to  which  a  small 
section  from  the  north-west  corner  of  Middletown  has 
been  annexed. 

As  for  the  early  settlers,  John  Hall,  William  Cornwall, 
William  Smith,  Samuel  Stocking,  Robert  Webster,  and 
Thomas  Wetmore,  were  settlers  in  1652,  and  settlers 
probably,  some  or  all  of  them  from  the  beginning. — 
Thomas  Allen,  Andrew  Warner,  Nathaniel  Bacon,  Wil- 


40  ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FlELD* 

liara  Markum,  Nathaniel  Brown,  George  Hubbardj  Hen* 
ry  Cole^  Giles  Hdmlin,  George  Graves^  William  and 
Daniel  Harris,  Thomas  Miller,  and  a  man  by  the  mime 
of  Martin,,  supposed  to  be  John  Martin,  were  settlers 
early  in  1654,  and  probably  earlier  ;  they  may  have 
been  here  as  early  as  the  settlers  first  named.  John 
Savage,  Samuel  Stow,  Robert  Warner,  John  Wilcox, 
William  Bloomfield,  Matthias  Treat  and  Nathaniel 
White,  were  early  settlers  ;  and  so  were  persons  by  the 
name  of  Cheney,  Clements,  Bow,  Eggleston,  Lucas, 
Tappin  or  Tapping,  Turner  and  some  others. 

Most  of  the  very  early  inhabitants  settled  in  or  near 
the  city.  The  largest  collection  was  about  the  Meeting- 
House  Yard,  and  on  the  northern  end  of  Main  street, 
above  Washington  street.  These  were  Thomas  Allen, 
William  Smith,  Andrew  Warner,  Nathaniel  Bacon,  Wil- 
liam Markham,  Nathaniel  Brown,  Samuel  Stow,  George 
Hubbard,  Thomas  Wctmore  and  John  Hall.  Others 
settled  further  south  on  Main  street,  several  about  the 
southern  end  of  it.  With  these,  new  colonists  were  in- 
termingled from  time  to  time. 

A  part  of  the  early  inhabitants  settled  in  the  Upper 
Houses,  and  almost  all  these  erected  their  dwellings  in 
the  lower  part  of  the  village,  on  the  street,  midway  be- 
tween Middlesex  Turnpike  and  the  river.  These  were 
Nathaniel  White,  Samuel  Stocking,  George  Graves,  Ro- 
bert Webster,  Joseph  Smith,  Daniel  Harris,  John  Mar- 
tin, John  Savage,  Thomas  Ranney,  David  Sage,  and 
John  Kirby.  Between  the  upper  and  lower  settlements 
intercourse  was  maintained  by  a  ferry  across  Little 
River. 

In  1670  there  were  only  fifty-two  house-holders  in  the 
town,  and  but  thirty-five  surnames,  those  of  the  same 
surnames  being  generally  relatives.  These  house-hold- 


ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FIELD*  41 

ers  had  come  here  at  different  periods,  but  it  was  agreed 
that  all  should  be  considered  as  proprietors  ;  and  as  very 
many  of  the  present  inhabitants  have  descended  from 
them,  and  not  a  few  who  retain  their  surnames,  it  may 
be  well  to  give  here  the  entire  catalogue.  This  is  as 
follows  :  Thomas  and  Obadiah  Allen,  Nathaniel  Bacon, 
William  Briggs,  Alexander  Bow,  William  Cheney,  Jas- 
per Clements,  Henry  Cole,  Samuel  and  Nathaniel  Col- 
lins, William,  John  and  Samuel  Cornwall,  a,nd  William 
Cornwall,  jr.,  George  Durant,  Samuel  Eggleston,  Ed- 
ward Porter,  John,  Richard  and  Samuel  Hall,  and  John 
Hall,  jr.,  Giles  Hamlin,  William  and  Daniel  Harris, 
George,  Joseph,  Daniel  and  Thomas  Hubbard,  John 
Hurlburt,  Isaac  Johnson,  John  Kirby,  Isaac  Lane,  Wil- 
Vam  Lucas,  Anthony  Martin,  Thomas  Miller,  Thomas 
Rahney,  David  Sage,  John  Savage,  Samuel  Stocking, 
Samuel,  Thomas  and  John  Stow,  James  Tappin,  Edward 
Turner ,  John  and  William  Ward,  Andrew,  Robert,  and 
John  Warner,  Thomas  Wetmore,  Nathaniel  White,  and 
John  Wilcox. 

It  will  be  perceived  that  in  this  catalogue,  some  early 
settlers  who  have,  been  mentioned,  do  not  appear;  This 
is  true  of  William  Bloomfield,  Nathaniel  Brown, 
George  Graves,  William  Markum,  John  Martin,  Wil- 
liam Smith,  Joseph  Smith,  Matthias  Treat,  and  Robert 
Webster.  These  either  removed  from  the  town  or  died 
before  16TO.  With  two  or  three  exceptions,  the  fifty- 
two  house-holders  were  of  English  extraction.  They 
came  hither  directly  from  the  British  lale,  from  towns  in 
the  east  part  of  Massachusetts,  or  from  earlier  settled 
towns  in  Connecticut.* 

After  1670  the  population  of  the  town  gradually  in- 

*  Note  B. 


42  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

creased,  and  on  the  llth  of  November,  1679,  "  the  town 
by  vote,  agreed  to  build  a  new  meeting-house,  thirty-two 
feet  square,  and  fifteen  feet  between  joints"  ;  and  seems 
to  have  gone  forward  the  subsequent  winter,  and  made 
preparations  for  fulfilling  their  agreement ;  but  in  the 
meanwhile  the  people  in  the  Upper  and  Lower  Houses,  en- 
tertained different  views  as  to  the  site  on  which  it  should 
be  raised.  In  May  1G80,  however,  they  mutually  conde- 
scended for  peace'  .sake,  and  jointly  agreed  to  set  it  on 
ground  which  they  minutely  described.  It  was  south  of 
the  first  meeting-house,  on  Main  street,  on  the  east  side 
— but  standing  in  the  street — and  about  opposite  what  is 
now  Liberty  Street.  In  this  all  the  inhabitants  worship- 
ped at  least  twenty-three  years,  and  the  greater  part  of 
them  more  than  thirty -five. 

By  the  time  this  was  opened  for  religious  worship,  "Win. 
Roberts  and  John  Cotton  became  inhabitants.  Solomon 
Atkins,  Maybe  Barnes,  Samuel  Bidwell,  Daniel  Mark- 
ham,  Job  Payne,  William  Southmayd,  av*J  Comfort 
Starr,  not  far  from  this  time,  became  inhabitants  also  ; 
others  settled  here  at  different  times.  An™"g  those  who 
became  settlers  before  the  close  of  the  1  ifth  century,  were 
Thomas  Andrews,  James  Bennet,  Jonathan  Gilbert,  Ed- 
ward Higbcc,  Edward  Shepherd,  and  William  Sumner, 
John  Gill,  Richard  Goodale,  John  Stancliff,  John  Clarke, 
Joseph  Rockwell,  John  Thompson,  George  Phillips,  Abra- 
ham Bartlet,  Daniel  Prior,  and  Benjamin  Hands,  though 
they  may  have  come  in  an  order  varying  much  from  that 
in  which  their  names  are  given.  These,  with  the  de- 
scendants of  earlier  settlers,  spread  themselves  exten- 
sively over  the  limits  of  the  Lower  and  Upper  Houses. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  Upper  Houses  became  so  nu- 
merous, that  in  January,  1703,  "  the  town  agreed  they 
might  settle  a  minister  and  build  a  meeting-house,  pro- 


ADDRESS  OF     DR.    FIELD.  43 

vklecl  they  settled  a  minister  Avithin  six,  or  at  most 
twelve  months  from  that  time."  The  Legislature  incor- 
porated them  as  a  parish  in  May  following. 

The  settlement  of  Middlefield  was  begun  about  17t30, 
and  of  Westfield  about  1720,  the  settlers  being  mostly 
from  the  two  first  parishes.  The  former  was  incorpora- 
ted in  October  1744,  and  the  latter  in  May  1766. 

Though  forty  rights  of  land  were  laid  out  to  the  pro- 
prietors on  the  east  side  of  the  river  in  1675,  (the  re- 
maining twelve  being  laid  out  on  the  west  side,  in  the 
neighborhood  called  Maromas  ; )  though  some  of  these 
rights  covered  land  of  a  fine  quality,  on  which  improve- 
ments were  soon  made ;  though  the  Wongonk  meadows 
early  attracted  the  attention  of  the  people,  both  in  the 
Lower  and  in  the  Upper  Houses,  only  two  families  are 
known  to  have  lived  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  before 
1700.  Another  settler  was  there  about  1703,  arid  there 
were  nine  or  ten  settlers  in  1710.  In  May,  1714,  thirty 
one  persons  petitioned  for  parish  privileges  most  of  whom 
may  have  been  heads  of  families.  From  their  names  it 
is  apparent  many  of  them  were  from  the  west  side  of  tLe 
river.  The  petition  was  granted  and  the  parish  was 
named  East  Middletown. 

The  settlement  in  Middle  Haddam  was  commence! 
about  1710,  but  had  a  slow  growth.  In  October  1748, 
twenty-six  persons,  with  twelve  from  Haddam  Neck,  a 
part  of  Haddam,  petitioned  for  incorporation  as  a  parish 
and  their  desires  were  gratified  in  May  1749.  A  smal- 
ler proportion  of  the  settlers  here  were  from  the  west 
side  of  the  river  than  in  East  Middletown. 

The  three  miles  granted  to  Middletown  in  1683,  con- 
stitute the  parish  of  East  Hampton,  and  a  small  section 
attached  to  Westchester,  a  parish  in  the  town  of  Col- 
chester. A  long  time  after  this  was  granted  the  ques- 
tion arose  how  it  should  be  divided  among  the  inhabi- 

A 


44  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

tants  ;  the  proprietors  of  the  town,  or  their  representa- 
tives, claiming  it  wholly,  while  others  insisted  upon  a 
share  of  it  as  it  was  given  to  the  town  after  their  fathers 
became  settlers.  At  length  this  friendly  compromise 
was  adopted,  that  it  should  be  divided  to  the  proprietors 
of  the  town  according  to  their  original  list,  and  the  list 
of  1714  united,  and  to  others  according  to  the  latter 
list  only. 

On  this  tract  no  settlement  was  made  until  1743,  when 
thirty-two  persons  came  into  the  place,  many  of  whom 
were  doubtless  heads  of  families.  They  were  drawn 
thither  particularly  by  the  excellent  mill-seat  at  the  out- 
let of  Pocotopogue  Pond,  where  a  forge  was  established. 
The  people  were  formed  into  a  separate  parish  in  May 
1746. 

Thus  the  population  spread,  and  five  entire  local  par- 
ishes were  formed  in  the  township,  and  most  of  a  sixth 
before  1750.  Westfield,  as  already  stated,  was  incorpo- 
rated some  years  later. 

All  these  were  Congregational  parishes ;  and  before 
1750  a  Church  was  organized  by  inhabitants  of  the  first 
parish  of  Middletown  and  Westfield,  called  a  "  Strict 
Congregational  Church,"  which  as  such,  years  since 
ceased  to  exist. 

Ship  building  had  become  a  great  business  in  East 
Middletown,  and  had  begun  to  flourish  at  the  landing  in 
Middle  Haddam  before  the  incorporation  of  these 
parishes,  in  connection  with  East  Hampton,  as  a  town, 
in  October  1767.  The  name  of  Chatham  was  therefore 
given  to  it,  in  allusion  to  Chatham  in  England,  by  rea- 
son of  the  extent  and  importance  of  this  branch  of  in- 
dustry and  enterprise.  East  Middletown  became  the 
first  parish  of  Chatham.  But  in  1841  when  this  parish 
had  increased  so  much  in  population  and  business,  that 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  45 

it  was  formed  into  a  separate  town,  it  was  necessary  it 
should  have  a  new  name.  Ship  building  had  not  ceased, 
but  the  quarrying  business  had  become  the  more  impor- 
tant concern.  The  new  town  therefore  was  called  Port- 
land from  Portland  in  England,  whence  free  stone  in. 
immense  quantities  is  transported  to  London  and  other 
parts  of  that  country,  as  the  free  stone  from  our  Port- 
land is  carried  to  New  York  and  other  cities  and  towns 
in  the  United  States.  And  who  knows  but  Middle  Had- 
dam  landing  may  so  resume  ship  building  and  carry  it 
on,  that  the  name  of  Chatham  will  be  very  appropriate 
hereafter.  The  site  and  population  of  the  village  favor 
the  suggestion,  and  a  few  enterprising  spirits  may  carry 
it  into  execution.  Should  the  manufacturing  enterprise 
of  East  Hampton  cast  big  guns  on  the  site  of  the  old 
"  Iron  Works,"  this  will  render  the  name  still  more  ap- 
propriate. 

A  company  are  now  again  zealously  working  the  "  Co- 
balt Mine."  The  probable  mineral  riches  of  the  hill  in 
which  this  is  found,  excited  the  attention  of  the  celebra- 
ted and  philosophical  John  Winthrop,  Governor  of  Con- 
necticut, before  there  were  any  settlements  in  Chatham, 
and  the  story  was  that  precious  discoveries  were  made. 
It  may  have  engaged  the  attention  of  his  son,  John  Fitz 
Winthrop,  afterwards  Governor.  Several  companies 
and  individuals  at  different  times  have  collected  quanti- 
ties of  the  ore,  and  sent  it  to  foreign  countries.  Tho 
present  company  have  gone  further,  and  made  prepara- 
tion for  extracting  its  contents,  and  done  so  to  a  limited 
extent.  Should  operations  prosper  here,  as  it  is  hoped 
they  will  ere  long,  the  Mine  will  augment  the  business  of 
the  landing,  and  increase  the  population  of  the  town. 

Reference  has  just  been  made  to  the  increase  of  in- 
habitants in  Portland.  The  United  States  census  now 


48  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

being  taken,  shows  a  very  considerable  increase  of  popu- 
lation in  this  place  for  the  last  thirty  years,  and  also  in 
the  city  of  Middletown ;  but  as  a  general  thing  the  in- 
crease of  population  in  all  the  six  parishes  of  which  we 
have  been  speaking  has  been  slow.  The  population  of 
v  hat  is  now  Middletown,  Portland  and  Chatham  in  1756 
vvas  five  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixty -four  ;  in  1820, 
£-ixty-four  years  afterwards,  nine  thousand  six  hundred 
thirty-six  ;  it  is  now,  thirteen  thousand  two  hundred  and 
twenty-one.*  Why  is  it  not  twice  and  thrice  this  num- 
I  cr?  The  descendants  of  some  of  the  early  settlers,  and 
in  truth  of  some  of  the  later  settlers,  are  now  very 
numerous.  The  general  reason  is,  the  temptations  to 
emigrate  have  been  so  many.  At  first  families  went  off 
from  time  to  time  to  the  newer  settlements  in  Connecticut 
where  lands  were  cheaper,  to  Western  Massachusetts,  to 
Vermont,  where  one  of  the  towns  is  called  Middletown 
pfter  this  town,  because  some  of  the  settlers  went  from 
this  place,  and  to  the  borders  of  New  York.  They  then 
went  to  Central  New  York,  whither  Hugh  White,  a  na- 
tive of  the  Upper  Houses,  led  ihe  way.  He  has  drawn 
fame  after  him,  because  he  was  the  first  American  who 
ventured  beyond  the  German  Flats,  to  the  region  of  the 
Oneidas,  soon  after  the  Revolution,  in  the  Spring  of 
1784.  The  town  called  Wliitestown,  in  honor  of  him, 
at  first  had  jurisdiction  over  all  the  western  portions  of 
the  Empire  State,  bordered  south  and  south-west  by 
Pennsylvania>  and  thence  by  Lake  Erie,  Niagara  river 
and  Ontario.  At  Mr.  White's  death,  in  1812,  the  ter- 

*  In  Middletown  there  are  eight  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-one 
inhabitants,  in  the  city  four  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifteen,  in  other 
parts  four  thousand  five  hundred  and  seventy-six  ;  in  Tortland  two  thou- 
sand nine  hundred  and  five,  Chatham  one  thousand  five  hundred  and 
twenty-ftvo. 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD,  47 

ritory  had  nearly  three  hundred  thousand  souls  and  has 
many  hundred  thousand  more  souls  at  the  present  time. 
It  is  a  territory  intersected  by  canals  and  railroads,  con- 
tains cities,  large  villages  and  charming  townships,  chur- 
ches, colleges,  academies  and  schools  and  great  Lake 
ports,  from  \vhich  numerous  steamers  traverse  our  in- 
land seas.  How  many  think  you,  from  Middletown, 
Portland  and  Chatham  are  now  dwelling  within  the  first 
limits  of  Whitestown  1  An  honored  native  of  this  town,* 
was  in  the  company  that  settled  Marietta,  the  first  town 
settled  by  the  English  in  Olno.  A  native  of  this  place 
also,f  was  commissary  i«  the  first  surveying  company 
that  went  to  the  Reserve  in  the  same  State,  and  landed 
at  Coneaut  Creek.  The  large  rude  log  building,  which 
they  erected  on  the  east  shore  of  the  stream,  and  which 
scr\W  both  as  a  store-house  for  their  provisions,  and  a 
dwelling  for  their  families  was  called  "  Stow  Castle." 
A  town  also  in  Summit  county  bears  the  surname  of  the 
same  individual.  How  many  think  you  from  the  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  ancient  town  of  Middletown,  are  now 
dwelling  in  the  great  State  of  Ohio  1  And  how  many  in 
the  great  West  beyond,  which  has  seemed  to  be  reced- 
ing and  spreading  as  settlements  have  advanced  towards 
it  1  Your  kindred  and  friends  are  scattered  in  all  direc- 
tions through  the  country. 

The  character  of  the  early  settlers  of  Middletown 
may  be  given  in  few  words.  It  is  not  pretended  they 
were  a  perfect  community.  They  had  their  faults  as 
other  early  settlers  of  New  England.  But  their  faults 
were  not  peculiar  to  themselves  ;  they  pertained  to  the 

*  Col.  Meigs. 


t  Joshua  Stow,  Esq. 
4* 


48  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    HELD. 

age  in  which  they  lived,  and  are  susceptible  of 
palliation  from  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were 
laced.  This  admitted,  they  were  as  a  body,  a  very 
religious  people,  possessed  of  much  practical  knowledge, 
not  derived  altogether  from  experience  and  observation, 
but  also  from  reading  and  intercourse  with  literary  and 
well  informed  men  ;  friends  of  liberty,  constitutional 
liberty,  regulated  by  righteous  lawn. 

They  were  a  very  religious  people.  All  attended  pub- 
lic worship.  Before  they  had  a  meeting-house,  they 
worshiped  God  under  the  "boughs  of  a  tree,  and  in  les* 
than  two  years  they  built  them  a  .Sanctuary,  and  eigh- 
teen years  after,  another.  These  were  humble  struc- 
tures it  is  true  ;  but  they  were  grateful  for  th«  acrom 
modations  they  afforded.  They  secured  regularly  the 
services  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel.  Not  long  afW  the 
settlement  commenced,  the  people  employed  Mr.  Samuel 
Stow,  a  native  of  Concord,  Mass.,  and  graduate  of  Har- 
vard College  as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry.  lie 
preached  to  them  a  number  of  years.  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Collins  succeeded  him  as  a  candidate,  and  was  ordained 
the  first  pastor  Nov.  4th,  1G68.  At  this  time  the  church 
was  organized,  consisting  of  ten  male  member.-;,  includ- 
ing himself,  a  nucleus  around  which  others  were  gathered. 

In  the  early  settlements  of  Connecticut,  people  were 
assembled  for  public  worship  by  the  beat  of  a  drum,  and 
the  place  was  guarded  by  armed  men,  as  a  security  from 
attacks  by  the  Indians.  The  smallest  guard  allowed  by 
law  consisted  of  eight  soldiers  with  a  sergeant,  and  thi.s 
was  the  number  on  guard  here  for  a  time.  The  beat  of 
the  drum  was  necessary  to  collect  the  soldiers,  and  it 
collected  also  the  congregation.  Mr.  Giles  Hamlin  gave 
a  drum  to  the  town  and  to  the  train  bands,  and  never 
did  a  chime  of  bells  sound  sweeter.  The  people  did  not 


ADDRESS    OF   DR.    FIELD,  4D 

need  it,  that  they  might  know  that  the  Sabbath  had 
come.  It  was  on  their  minds  through  the  week,  and  be- 
fore the  sun  sunk  in  the  west  on  Saturday,  wordly  con- 
cerns were  laid  aside  that  their  minds  might  be  free  to 
keep  the  day  in  a  holy  manner.  But  this  told  them 
when  the  time  arrived  to  start  for  the  sanctuary  ;  and 
while  there  was  danger  from  the  Indians,  when  they 
might  go  with  safety.  A  drum  was  used  in  the  Upper 
Houses  more  than  sixty  years  after  the  settlement  began. 
The  people  were  mindful  of  the  great  duty  of  living 
in  peace.  This  is  apparent  from  their  plans  and  mea- 
sure?, when  difficulties  were  rising,  to  have  them  adjust- 
ed. When  different  views  were  entertained  by  the  peo- 
ple of  the  Upper  and  Lower  Houses  about  a  site  for  the 
second  Meeting-house,  for  "  peace  sake "  they  conde- 
scended to  each  other,  and  agreed  upon  a  place  for  set- 
ting it.  When  the  question  arose  how  the  lands  granted 
to  the  town  in  1683  should  be  divided  among  earlier 
arid  later  settlers,  the  matter  was  arranged  by  conces- 
sion. Another  fact  illustrates  this  characteristic  in  re- 
gard to  the  inhabitants  of  the  first  society.  After  the 
people  hi  Upper  and  East  Middletown  had  become  dis- 
tinct parishes,  they  undertook  to  build  a  new  Meeting- 
house, much  larger  than  either  of  the  houses  which  had 
previously  existed  within  their  limits.  Different  por- 
tions of  the  inhabitants  wished  for  its  location  at  the 
north,  west  and  east  corners  of  the  great  square,  lying 
between  Main  and  High  streets  ;  but  lest  their  prefer- 
ences should  lead  to  abiding  alienation,  they  agreed 
the  point  should  be  decided  by  lot.  But  as  there  were 
four  corners  to  the  square,  it  was  suggested  it  would  be 
well  to  put  them  all  to  the  solemn  trial.  This  was  done 
and  the  south  corner  was  drawn,  which  none  had  really 
desired.  But  as  the  lot  was  considered  as  expressing 


60  ADDkESS   OF   DR. 

the  divine  will,  the  people  went  forward  and  built  there, 
lind  there  they  worshipped  more  than  eighty  ye:irs. 

The  original  mode  of  singing  among  the  Puritan.-1 
Was  Congregational,  find  the  psalms  were  lined.  But 
into  this  house  a  choir  was  introduced.  It  was  l:n-gi: 
and  admirably  trained.  The  elder  President  Adams, 
who  attended  worship  here  in  "1771,  says  of  the  singing  : 
UI  heard  the  finest  Ringing  that  I  ever  heard  in  my  life  : 
the  front  and  side  galleries  were  crowded  with  rows  of 
lads  and  lasses,  who  performed  all  their  parts  in  the  ut- 
most perfection — a  row  of  women  all  standing  up  and 
playing  their  parts  with  perfect  skill  and  judgment,  ad- 
ded a  sweetness  and  sprightliness  to  the  whole,  which 
absolutely  charmed  me." 

The  settlers  possessed  muck  practical  knowledge,  the 
result  of  observation  and  reading,  and  intercourse  with 
the  wise  and  good.  The  early  clergv  were  superior 
men,  men  of  talents  and  learning,  and  the  magistrates 
and  public  men  were  well  informed.  The  people  them- 
selves were  able  to  read  ;  most  of  the  males  at  least  to 
write  and  keep  accounts,  and  they  united  their  efforts 
with  those  of  their  superiors  for  the  right  training  of 
the  young.  Family  worship  and  government  were  main- 
tained with  strictness.  Attending  public  religious  in- 
struction with  their  children,  they  welcomed  their  minis- 
ters to  their  dwellings  and  ordered  their  families  so  as  to 
have  their  visits  the  most  profitable  to  their  entire  house- 
holds. The  Bible,  that  inexhaustible  source  of  know- 
ledge, and  what  other  books  they  had,  were  more  read, 
more  studied  at  home  by  old  and  young,  and  their  con- 
tents made  the  subjects  of  moi-e  reflection  and  conversa- 
tion, than  arc  found  now  in  the  abodes  of  their  descen- 
dants. 

Nor  let  us  think  too  meanly  of  the  common  schools 


ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD.  51 

which  were  established  by  law,  and  the  people  were  re- 
quired to  maintain.  All  deemed  them  indispensable  to 
the  diffusion  of  knowledge  through  the  entire  community. 
Hence  we  find  the  town  in  March  1676,  when  their 
means  were  small,  agreeing  to  pay  a  Mr.  Webb  twenty  - 
five  pounds  for  keeping  school  a  year.  Mr.  Samuel 
Stow,  who  was  so  many  years  a  candidate  for  the  minis- 
try, Nathaniel  White  and  Jasper  Clements,  three  of  the 
proprietors  of  the  town,  made  bequests  for  the  support 
of  common  schools,  the  benefits  of  which  are  felt  to  the 
present  time.  Parents  were  glad  to  send  their  children 
to  school ;  ministers  visited  the  schools  and  encouraged 
the  children  to  learn ;  yea,  they  often  took  youth  into 
their  own  houses  and  instructed  them  themselves. 

Common  schools  have  accomplished  unspeakable  good 
here  and  through  the  State,  and  wherever  they  have 
been  established. 

Our  common  schools  are  now  improved  in  some  in- 
stances, here  and  there,  and  it  is  encouraging  to  witness 
their  advancement.  Where  circumstances  admit  of  it, 
let  a  High  School  be  established  for  the  older  children,  as 
has  been  done  in  this  city,  and  the  means  of  a  higher 
education  opened  to  all,  and  the  happy  results  will  soon 
be  felt. 

In  places  of  far  less  population  and  wealth  much  may 
be  done.  Let  a  feNv  energetic  and  decided  men  take 
hold  of  the  subject,  and  they  will  arouse  their  neighbors 
to  the  importance  of  improving  the  schools,  and  as  these 
become  what  they  should  be,  the  minds  of  the  young 
will  be  filled  with  a  thirst  for  knowledge,  which  will  seek 
gratification  when  the  period  of  schooling  is  passed. 
They  will  be  ready  to  form  associations  and  use  means 
which  will  diffuse  an  enlightening  and  elevating  influence 
around  thenu 


52  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

Sonic  measures  have  been  adopted  in  the  Upper 
Houses  for  advancing  education,  which  deserve  public 
commendation.  I  allude  especially  to  what  has  been 
done  by  the  "  Friendly  Association,"  a  literary  society, 
which  has  been  regularly  kept  up  about  forty  years, 
which  flourishes  still,  and  is  accomplishing  much  good. 

The  settlers  were  the  friends  of  Constitutional  liberty, 
and  of  righteous  laws  well  administered.  They  came 
here  under  the  wing  of  the  constitution  which  went  into 
operation  in  1639,  allowing  them  to  elect  their  own  offi- 
cers, and  to  unite  with  others  in  the  election  of  officers 
for  the  commonwealth.  That  Constitution  was  super- 
ceded  by  the  charter  of  Charles  the  second  ;  a  charter 
liberal  for  a  monarch  to  grant,  and  which  showed  the 
adroitness  of  Governor  Winthrop  in  obtaining  it.  Thus 
the  people  had  what  they  wished,  the  privilege  of  man- 
aging legally  their  own  concerns,  whether  of  town  or 
society,  school  district  or  any  other  corporation  with 
which  they  were  connected,  while  they  took  a  part  with 
others  in  elevating  men  to  higher  stations,  and  more 
extensive  trusts. 

They  knew  their  rights.  Though  for  more  than  twen- 
ty years  the  public  laws  were  in  manuscript,  copies  of 
them  were  sent  to  the  towns,  publicly  read  and  left  for 
examination  by  the  inhabitants  ;  and  then  they  were 
printed  and  bound  in  a  volume  wifli  blank  leaves,  and 
every  family  was  required  to  purchase  a  copy.  The 
new  laws,  made  from  time  to  time,  were  sent  to  the 
towns,  that  after  being  publicly  read,  they  might  be 
copied  into  the  same  book  with  the  printed  laws.  Thus 
the  people  had  the  laws  continually  before  them,  and 
were  probably  more  conversant  than  the  people  now  are 
with  the  existing  statutes. 

One  trait  of  the  early  settlers  was,  that  when  they 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  53 

found  public  men  very  faithful,  they  elected  them  re- 
peatedly to  office,  sometimes  for  long  periods,  and  to  old 
age.  Perhaps  there  were  not  among  them  as  many 
qualified  for  office  as  among  their  posterity,  in  proportion 
to  the  population  ;  but  they  did  not  judge  it  best  to 
drop  tried  and  good  men  on  slight  grounds.  It  was  no 
part  of  tVimr  policy  to  throw  aside  men  merely  to  make 
way  for  others  ;  especially  such  as  had  become  conver- 
sant with' the  duties  of  a  high  station,  for  the  sake  of 
experimenting  on  raw  hands.  Their  principles  and 
their  circumstances  both  prompted  them  to  union,  and 
to  seek  the  general  welfare  in  distinction  from  party  ob- 
jects. A  remarkable  illustration  of  this  is  found  in  the 
elections  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  White,  who  resided  in  the 
Upper  Houses  ;  a  man  of  high  religious  character,  and 
sound  judgment.  He  was  one  of  the  first  magistrates 
of  the  town,  and  held  military  commissions.  From  1659 
to  1710  the  year  before  his  death,  he  was  chosen  repre- 
sentative to  the  General  Court,  the  elections  being  then 
semi-annual,  eighty-five  times.  Among  the  men  settled 
in  the  Lower  Houses,  whom  the  people  delighted  to  hon- 
or were  Mr.  Giles  Hamlin,  his  son  John  Hamlin,  and 
his  grandson  Jabez  Hamlin.  The  first  mentioned  and 
Mr.  White  were  appointed  commissioners,  or  justices  of 
the  peace  in  1669,  and  in  1684  commissioners  for  Mid- 
dletown,  Haddam  and  Meriden.  Mr.  Hamlin,  though 

"  Near  fifty  years  crossing  the  ocean  wide,"* 
was  elected  representative  to  the  General  Court  twenty- 
two  times  ;  and  in  1685  was  elected  an  assistant,  and 
thus  annually  until  his  death,  except  as  the  privileges  of 
the  freemen  were  interrupted  by  the  usurpation  of  Maj. 
Andros. 

*  From  tha  epitaph  on  his  Monument. 


54  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

John  Hamlin  was  a  member  of  the  General  Court  a° 
a  representative  seven  sessions,  and  then  an  assistant 
twenty-six  years. 

Jabez  Hamlin,  besides  being  advanced  in  military  life 
to  the  rank  of  a  Colonel,  was  put  into  the  commission  of 
the  peace  as  early  as  1733  or  4 ;  was  a  justice  of  the 
quorum  for  Hartford  county,  from  1745  until  1754,  und 
then  judge  of  that  court  tlnrty  years.  He  was  elected 
a  representative  to  the  General  Assembly  forty-three 
times,  and  was  repeatedly  Speaker  of  the  Lower  House. 
He  was  also  for  a  time  a  member  of  the  Council  of  safety. 
He  was  judge  of  probate  from  the  formation  of  Middle- 
town  district  in  1752  till  1789,  and  mayor  of  this  city 
from  its  incorporation  in  1784  until  his  death. 

The  excellence  of  Giles  Hamlin  may  have  contributed 
to  bring  forward  his  son  John  Hamlin,  but  the  son  could 
not  have  received  and  retained  the  confidence  of  the  peo- 
ple in  those  times,  had  he  not  been  a  superior  man  :  and 
the  excellence  of  John  Hamlin,  combined  with  that  of 
his  father,  may  have  had  more  influence  in  bringing  for- 
ward Jabez  Hamlin  ;  but  all  three  were  capital  men. 
Jabez  Hamlin  was  publicly  educated  and  possessed  a 
well  informed  and  well  balanced  mind,  unusual  sweet- 
ness and  uniformity  of  temper,  and  courtliness  of  man- 
ners. He  took  an  active  interest  in  the  welfare  of  per- 
sons of  every  class,  exercising  a  benevolence  through  a 
long  life,  which  was  seen  and  felt  by  all.  Thus  he  de- 
scended to  his  grave,  rich  in  the  esteem  of  men,  and 
beloved  of  his  God. 

Seth  Wetmore  was  a  lawyer  in  this  town,  and  a  jus- 
tice of  the  peace  sometime  before  the  middle  of  the  last 
century.  He  was  elected  a  representative  to  the  Legis- 
lature forty-eight  times,  and  was  a  judge  of  Hartford 
county  court. 


ADDkESS   t)F    DR.    FlELft.  OO 

Samuel  W*  Dana  and  A.'-her  Miller  were  long  elected 
tu  public  offices  :  and  the  clerkship  held  by  the  late  John 
Fisk  Esq. ,  shows  that  the  people  have  not  forgotten  alto- 
gether to  continue  correct  and  faithful  men  in  office. 
Still  in  recent  times,  some  offices  have  passed  rapidly 
from  one  person  to  another.  The  court  of  Probate  for 
this  District  has  existed  ninety-eight  years.  By  the 
h'r^t  three  judges  it  was  held  sixty-nine  years.  Since 
the  death  of  the  last  of  these,  it  has  been  held  by  eleven 
judges. 

As  for  Ministers,  they  were  not  hastily  settled  nor 
hastily  dismissed.  Mr.  Samuel  Stow,  and  the  first  set- 
tled pastor,  were  employed  as  candidates  longer  than 
was  common  in  the  early  clays  of  Connecticut.  But 
long  candidateships  were  usual,  and  when  ministers 
were  settled,  they  were  considered  as  settled  for  life. 
The  first  four  pastors  of  this  Church  died  in  office,  and 
including  the  time  of  their  being  candidates,  they  sup- 
plied the  people  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  years. 
The  first  two  pastors  in  Upper  Middletown  died  in  office  ; 
the  first  in  Westfield  ;  the  first  three  in  Portland ;  the 
first  in  Middle  Haddam,  and  the  first  three  in  East 
Hampton. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  early  ministers  were  superior 
men,  men  of  talents  and  learning. 

Mr.  Collins,  the  first  pastor,  was  a  native  of  Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts,  and  was  educated  at  the  College 
in  that  town,  as  was  an  elder  brother  by  the  name  of 
John,  who  was  a  minister  in  London.  Both  were  famous 
ministers  in  their  day.  The  church  or  people  here  were 
united  and  happy  during  Mr.  Collins'  life  ;  he  died  in 
1684.  Cotton  Mather  says  of  him,  in  his  Magnalia. — 
"  The  church  of  Midd!ctown  upon  Connecticut  River, 
was  the  golden  candlestick,  from  whence  this  excellent 
5 


00  ADDRESS  OF    DR.  FIELD. 

person  illuminated  more  than  that  whole  colony ;  and  all 
the  qualities  of  most  exemplary  piety,  extraordinary  in- 
tegrity, obliging  affability,  joined  with  the  accomplish- 
ments of  an  extraordinary  preacher,  did  render  him  truly 
excellent."  He  also  wrote  an  elegy  on  him,  in  which  he 
describes  his  virtues  in  quaint  rhymes  : 

"  1  sigh  the  fate  for  which  our  broached  eyes 
Spend  floods  of  brine ;  at  which  a  dire  surprise 
Of  a  soul  chilling  horror  doth  invade 
The  soul  not  stone  before  ;  at  which  are  made 
In  serious  minds,  as  many  wounds  as  were 
To  CoBsar  given.     Reader,  shake  to  hoar  ; 
THE  DEATH  OF  COLLINS,  'tis.     He  dead, 
Without  a  paper  sheet  to  lay  him  out! 

0  shame.     O  that  Egyptian  odours,  and 
Embalmers  too,  were  now  at  my  command  ! 

1  want  them.     But  hyperboles  withdraw, 
Begone  licentious  poets.     What  1  saw 

On  this  occasion,  let  some  country  rhymes 

That  call  a  spade  a  spade,  tell  after  times." 
********** 

Pity,  the  Church  of  Middletown  bespeaks 

Set  in  the  midst  of  swoons  and  sobs  and  shrieks. 
********** 

The  second  pastor  was  Rev.  Noadiah  Russell.  He 
was  one  of  the  founders  and  trustees  of  Yale  College, 
and  one  of  the  framers  of  Say  brook  Platform,  and  of 
course  held  high  rank  among  his  brethren.  Two  of  his 
sons,  William  and  Daniel,  were  educated  at  the  semina- 
ry which  he  had  assisted  in  founding,  and  became  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel.  Daniel  settled  in  Stepney  in  Wetli- 
ersfield,  now  the  town  of  Rocky  Hill. 

Rev.  William  Russell  succeeded  his  father  in  the  min- 
istry here,  and  it  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  he  labored  in 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  57 

the  work  just  forty-six  years,  dying  on  the  same  month, 
and  on  the  same  day  of  the  month  on  which  he  was  or- 
dained. He  preached  the  election  sermon  before  the 
Colony  Legislature  in  1730.  The  celebrated  George 
Whitfield,  being  entertained  at  his  house  over  night  in 
Oct.,  1740,  says  of  him:  "  I  think  him  an  Israelite  in- 
deed, and  one  who  has  been  long  mourning  over  the  dead- 
ness  of  professors.  Oh!  that  all  ministers  were  like-mind- 
ed." He  also  expresses  his  admiration  "  of  the  sim- 
plicity of  his  host  and  the  order  wherein  his  children  at- 
tended on  family  devotion."  Mr.  Russell  was  a  mem- 
ber of  Hartford  South  Consociation,  when  that  Consocia- 
tion was  called  in  1758,  to  act  with  the  Consociation  of 
New  Haven  County  in  the  "  Wallirigford  case,  and  ho 
manifested  much  concern  for  the  peace  and  union  of  the 
church  and  society  in  Wallingford,  and  to  effect  an  ac- 
commodation of  the  difficulties  which  had  arisen."  "  He 
was  a  gentleman,"  says  Dr.  Trumbull,  "  of  great  respec- 
tability for  knowledge,  experience,  moderation,  and  for 
pacific  measures,  on  all  occasionsi" 

Rev.  Enoch  Huntington  was  the  fourth  pastor  of  the 
first  church  in  this  town.  While  a  member  of  Yale  College, 
(of  which  institution  he  was  a  trustee  many  years,)  ho 
was  distinguished  for  ripe  scholarship,  and  was  a  success- 
ful candidate  for  the  Berkeley  prize.  When  he  began 
to  preach  he  was  a  popular  candidate.  A  congregation 
on  Long  Island  sought  him  for  their  pastor.  The  people 
in  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  invited  him  to  settle  Avith  them,  but 
he  deemed  it  his  duty  to  settle  in  this  place,  where  he  had 
a  call  at  the  same  time.  His  ministry  was  more  extend- 
ed than  that  of  his  immediate  predecessor,  and  during 
the  greater  part  of  this  long  period,  besides  discharging 
his  official  duties,  he  instructed  young  men  while  fitting 
for  college,  or  who  without  a  collegiate  course  were  look- 


ADDRESS    OF     DR.    hi  KM), 

ing  forward  to  the  learned  professions,  and  to  important 
stations  in  business.     The  town  being  then  greatly  con 
<-(-rn--;d  iu   commerce.,  a-nd  having  extensive  connections, 
you-ti'  I,  as  well  us  iVuiu  thisphif.v  and  vicini- 

ty, were  placed  under  his  tuition.  Had  we  a  full  cata- 
logue of  his.  pupils,  which  lias  he».-n  much  .-  .n-rlit  for,  we 
should  find  the  names  of  many  literary,- distinguished  and 
useful  men.  President  Dwight  of  Yak-  College-., .-was  OIK- 
of  his  early  pupils^  and  had  such  respect  for  him,  t!,a; 
some  thirty  years  nftenvards  he  placed  a  son  under  his 
care.  The  first  families  in  ivliddleto-wn,  of  diill-rent  de- 
nominations, sent  their  sons  to  him.  The  Rev.  Elijah. 
Parsons  of  East  Haddam,  and  the  late  Dr.  Sheperd  oj 
Lenox,  Mass.,  studied  theology  with  him. 

It  is  rare  to  find  four  ministers  in  succession,  in  any 
ehuroh  for  so  long  a  time,  of  such  standing  and  influence- 
as  the  four  now  noticed.  As  the  early  settlers  of  the- 
tOAvn,  and  their  descendants  for  generations,  had  superior- 
men  for  their  ministers,  so  they  had  very  worthy  men 
for  deacons.  One  of  their  three  first  elected  and  ordain- 
ed deacons  was  John  Hall,  son  of  the  first  Joint  Hallr 
one  of  the  early  clevks  of  the  town,  lie  died  Jan.  22. 
1(594,  aged  75,  ami  his  epitaph  declare*  his  -virtues,. 

"  Here  lyes  our  Deacon  Hall,. 

Who  studied  peace  with  alL 

Was  upright  in  his  life,. 

Void  of  malignant  strife  ; 

'June  to  his  rest,  left  us  in  sorrow 

Poubtless  his  good  -works  will  him  follow,'* 

These  rhymes  are  as  quaint  ;\s  Cotton  Mather's,  airf 
not  a  whit  quainter  than  some  epitaphs  found  on  grave 
stones  in  old  England  ;  hut  the  ideas  cannot  be  mistaken, 
In  the  subsequent  list  of  deacons,  we  find  the  names  of 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  59 

Jabez  Hamlin,  Chauncey  Whittlesey  and  Matthew  Tal- 
cot  Russell. 

We  are  assembled  to  celebrate  the  Second  Centennial 
Anniversary  of  the  settlement  of  Middletown.  For  two 
hundred  years,  the  worship  of  God  has  been  celebrated 
in  this  congregation,  according  to  the  views  and  forms  of 
the'  Congregationalists.  And  here  some  rather  striking 
coincidences  occur.  It  is  very  near  one  hundred  and 
fifty  years  since  Congregational  worship  was  commenced 
in  Upper  Middletown,  and  from  these  churches  went  forth 
colonists,  to  form  the  other  Congregational  churches  and 
societies  generally,  which  have  sprung  up  within  the  orig- 
inal limits  of  the  township.  This  too  is  the  first  Cen- 
tennial Anniversary  of  Christian  worship  here,  according 
to  the  rites  of  the  church  of  England,  and  with  this 
Episcopal  church  have  been  somewjjat  connected  the 
origin  and  growth  of  the  same  denomination  in  Portland 
and  Middle  Haddam.  The  Baptist  church  in  this  city 
has  existed  a  little  more  than  half  a  century  :  the  Bap- 
tist Society  in  Upper  Middletown  was  formed  in  Janu- 
ary, 1801.  The  Methodist  congregation  in  the  city  was 
formed  in  1791,  but  was  small  until  1800  and  after.  » 

The  economy  and  customs  of  the  three  denominations 
now  mentioned,  provide  better  for  the  frequent  change  of 
ministers  than  those  of  the  Congregationalists,  and  com- 
paring the  whole  existence  of  all  the  churches,  they  have 
actually  changed  their  ministers  more  frequently.  Rev. 
Abraham  Jarvis,  one  of  the  early  rectors  of  the  Episco- 
pal church  here,  served  it  many  years,  and  while  here, 
was  raised  to  the  highest  station  in  the  Episcopal  church- 
es of  the  commonwealth,  which  his  brethren  could  give 
him.  Some,  among  the  long  list  of  rectors  following,  have 
been  much  esteemed,  several  have  been  raised  to  eminent 

stations. 

5* 


60  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

Rev.  Mr.  Miles  served  the  Episcopal  congregation  in 
Portland  many  years.  But  fomany  have  been  the  Epis- 
copal ministers  ;  so  many  the  Baptist  and  Methodist ; 
and  so  many  recently  the  congregational,  that  they  can- 
not be  even  named  on  this  occasion.  The  trials  and  the 
prosperity  of  their  church.es  cannot  be  stated,  much  Ics.s 
can  any  thing  be  said  about  more  recent  congregations, 
and  this  is  the  less  important,  because  their  origin  and 
progress  are  so  well  known.  We  arc  assembled  to  hear 
old  and  forgotten  things,  rather  than  those  which  are  late 
and  familiar.* 

The  settlers  generally,  rich  as  they  were  in  faith,  had 
little  property,  and  every  thing  to  begin  anew.  At  first 
their  dwellings  were  wretched,  hardly  sheltering  them 
from  the  rage  of  the  elements  :  they  had  but  little  furni- 
ture, and  the  articles  generally  of  the  plainest  forms. 
They  manufactured  nearly  all  their  clothing  in  the  fami- 
ly, and  very  imperfectly,  having  no  provision  for  fulling, 
shearing  and  pressing  their  woollens.  They  were  in- 
experienced in  subduing  a  forest ;  were  deficient  in  im- 
plements for  cultivating  the  ground  ;  had  scarcely  auy 
,f  cams,  horses,  cattle  or  sheep.  There  were  but  few  me- 
chanics among  them.  They  anticipated  difficulty  in  pro- 
curing so  necessary  a  mechanic  as  a  blacksmith,  and  re- 
served an  hundred  pound  lot  to  tempt  one  to  come  among 
them.  It  was  not  until  Sept.,  1661,  that  one  appeared, 
who  pledged  himself  to  do  the  town's  smithing,  at  least 
for  four  years.  At  a  subsequent  time  they  induced  a 
blacksmith  to  settle  among  them  in  a  similar  way. 

Our  citizens  who  go  to  the  West,  entertain  us  by  the 
story  of  their  privations  and  hardships,  and  yet  these  are 
hardly  a  tythe  of  what  the  Colonists  suffered.  Besides 

*  Note  C. 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  61 

having  greater  means  and  resources  in  the  outset,  they 
can  almost  fly  on  cars,  or  steamboats  to  their  destinations ; 
carry  what  they  wish  with  them,  and  at  little  expense  ; 
can  go  right  on  to  a  prairie,  or  if  they  enter  a  forest, 
they  may  have  the  light  which  experience  has  shed  dur- 
ing two  centuries,  in  turning  a  wilderness  into  a  fruitful 
field. 

The  settlers  were  poor  lialf  a  century  ;  and  for  half  a 
century  more,  they  did  not  rise  much  above  the  condition 
of  comfortable  livers.  Framed  houses  they  had,  but 
Avith  few  rooms  and  often  never  finished.  Almost  all 
looked  to  their  clearings  and  forests  for  the  means  of 
support.  From  the  former,  they  got  their  food  and  a  few 
articles  to  barter  ;  from  the  latter,  they  got  materials  for 
hoards,  staves  and  hoops,  which  were  also  to  barter  ;  and 
the  bartering  was  for  groceries,  and  a  few  finer  articles 
of  clothing.  In  1680,  but  one  vessel  was  owned  and 
that  only  of  70  tons ;  only  one  more  was  owned  on  the 
riv(-r,  and  that  at  Hartford,  of  90  tons.  The  trade  was 
carried  on  in  these  vessels,  and  in  a  few  coming  rarely 
from  Boston.  Two  vessels  only  Avere  owned  here  in 
1780  ;  both  united,  rated  at  105  tons. 

There  \vas  probably  but  one  merchant  here  in  1680, 
and  the  merchants  in  the  colony,  then  24  in  number,  arc 
spoken  of  by  Gov.  Leet  in  his  report  to  the  Board  of 
Trade  and  Plantations  in  England,  as  doing  but  little 
business.  There  were  probably  not  more  than  two  mer- 
chants here,  in  1730.  One  of  these  was  James  Brown, 
an  excellent  Scotchman,  from  Edinburgh,  who  used  to 
cross  the  country  to  Boston  on  horse-back,  once  or  more 
in  a  year,  to  make  his  contracts.  Some  years  after  this, 
there  were  only  three  or  four  merchants.  But  in  the 
latter  half  of  the  last  century,  a  very  profitable  trade 
was  opened  with  the  West  Indie?,  and  some  accumulat- 


62  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

ed  large  estates.  The  most  successful  in  this  trade  was 
Richard  Alsop,  who  had  been  educated  a  merchant  in 
the  store  of  Philip  Livingston  in  New  York.  George 
Phillips,  Col.  Matthew  Talcot  and  others  were  engaged 
in  it. 

This  trade  stimulated  agriculture ;  and  by  this  time 
the  best  lands  in  all  the  parishes  were  brought  under  cul- 
tivation, and  yielded  abundant  crops  of  wheat,  rye,  bar- 
ley, oats,  flax,  maize,  and  English  grasses.  Great  quan- 
tities of  provisions  ;  and  great  numbers  of  cattle  and 
horses  were  sent  to  the  West  Indies ;  and  great  quanti- 
ties of  rum,  (an  article  tlien  believed  to  be  useful  as  a 
beverage,  and  necessary  to  men  engaged  in  arduous  la- 
bors,) were  imported,  together  with  sugar,  molasses  and 
salt.  Great  quantities  of  provisions  were  sent  from  the 
river  to  New  York,  to  be  consumed  there,  or  re-shipped 
for  foreign  markets,  and  thence  various  articles  of  mer- 
chandize were  brought  back  in  return  :  for  by  this  time 
most  of  the  trade  which  had  gone  eastward,  and  mainly 
to  Boston,  had  changed  its  course. 

The  West  India  trade,  and  almost  all  other  trade,  the 
Revolutionary  War  deranged,  or  rather  suspended.  It 
was  resumed,  however,  and  flourished  when  the  war  was 
over.  Some  of  the  principal  traders  at  this  time,  were 
Elijah  and  Nehemiah  Hubbard,  and  Col.  Lemuel  Storrs, 
George  and  Thompson  Phillips,  sons  of  the  George  Phil- 
lips before  mentioned,  Gen.  Comfort  Sage,  and  others, 
took  a  part,  and  some  of  them  an  important  part  in  it. 
Joseph  W.  Alsop,  a  younger  man,  also  succeeded  in  it. 
Before  the  close  of  the  last  century,  however,  this  trade 
was  annoyed  and  injured  by  the  principal  belligerent  pow- 
ers of  Europe;  evils  Avhicli  led  on  to  a  temporary  controver- 
sy with  France,  then  to  the  restrictive  system,  and  the 
more  serious  war  with  Great  Britain.  During  that  sys- 


ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD.  63 

tcm  and  war,  our  seaports  presented  lines  of  naked 
masts.  Vessels,  old  and  new,  were  laid  up  on  the  sides 
of  this  river,  and  as  another  item  in  the  calamities  of 
people  on  the  Connecticut,  twenty-two  vessels  of  various 
descriptions,  estimated  at  a  hundred  and  sixty  thousand 
dollars,  were  burnt  l>y  the  enemy  at  Essex.  The  sons 
of  the  ocean  were  driven  to.  almost  every  expedient  to 
get  their  bread,  sold  too  at  an  enhanced  price. 

Since  the  last  war  with  Great  Britain,  almost  all  the 
commerce  from  this  place  is  domestic,  and  this  is  still 
limited.  Under  this  change  many  enterprising  men  have 
invested  property  in  factories,  and  hundreds,  who  might 
otherwise  have  exerted  their  strength  and  their  skill  in 
following  the  seas,  are  now  engaged  in  mecflfanical  and 
manufacturing  operations.  In  these  factories,  the  culti- 
vators of  the  soil  too,  find  a  market  for  their  products. 

Wars  try  men's  souls.  The  Pequot  war,  and  King 
Philip's  war,  tried  the  men  of  Connecticut.  Queen 
Ann's  war  at  the  beginning  of  the  last  century,  tried 
them,  and  pressed  them  with  a  heavy  debt.*  The 

*  The  fruitless  undertaking  against  Canada,  iu  1709,  says  Trumbull, 
<*  was  a,  capital  Iqss  and  expense  to  the  Colonies."  On?  quarter  or  more 
of  the  troops  died.  Connecticut  only  sustained  the  loss  of  90  men.  The 
expedition  occasioned  the  first  emission  of  paper  money  in.  Connecticut, 
Besides  the  assigned  quotas  raised  by  the  colonies,  independent  compa- 
nies were  raised  and  sent  on  to  the  army.  The.  following  persons  were  vol- 
unteers from  Middlotown,  viz.  "  Nathaniel  Gilbert,  Benjamin  Comwell, 
John  Allen,  Samuel  Doolittle,  Nathaniel  Ilobart  [or  Hubart,]  Jonathan 
Gilbert,  Waite  Cornwell,  Edward  Bow,  John  Lane,  entered,  (but  by 
reason  of  the  death  of  his  father,  hired  another  in  his  room,)  Charles  EuU 
ler,  Jacob  Conto,  and  Thomas  Stevens,"  all  of  whom  "  served  under 
Capt.  Moses  Dcmuiing."  "  Jacob  Do,ude>  and  Jeremiah  Leman"  wb,o, 
"  served  under  Capt.  Andrew  Ward." 

In  May,  1722.  the  Assembly  passed  an  act  requiring  all  the  arms  "  re- 
.H'ived  upon  the  Canada  expeditions,"  including  '•  those  lodged  in  an^r 


64  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

French  war  of  1744,  and  especially  that  of  1755,  con- 
tinuing for  a  longer  period,  tried  them.  In  both,  Con- 
necticut furnished  more  than  her  proportion  of  men.  In 
the  latter,  some  went  to  Ticoncleroga,  some  to  the  lla- 
vanna,  and  some  elsewhere,  and  many  never  returned. 
A  number  from  Upper  Middletown  did  not.  How  many 
then  from  all  the  parishes  west  of  the  river?  The  only 
son  of  the  first  minister  in  Chatham  fell  in  battle  in  this 
war.  How  many  then  in  all  the  parishes  east  of  the 
river'?  But  we  are  accustomed  to  speak  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary war  as  trying  men's  souls,  particularly  in  1770. 
TLfe  did  try  them,  in  various  respects.  It  was  a  war 
with  Englishmen,  whose  blood  we  shared,  and  for  the  re- 
dress of  wrongs,  which  it  was  believed,  fathers  should 
never  have  inflicted  ;  a  war  with  an  ancient,  rich  and 
powerful  nation,  that  thought  at  first  they  could  over- 
awe us,  and  then  that  they  could  subdue  us.  It  was  a 
long,  bloody  and  expensive  war,  in  which  hope  sometimes 
rose  high,  then  sunk,  but  lived  on,  rose  again  and  again, 
until  in  eight  years  the  glorious  triumph  arrived. 

But  little  can  be  said  on  this  vast  subject  now — a  feAV 
things  only,  to  show  how  your  fathers  felt  and  acted  at 
that  time,  in  conjunction  with  the  people  of  other  towns 
in  our  beloved  State. 

The  news  of  the  passage  of  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  and 
the  arrival  of  Gen.  Gage  in  May,  1774,  to  enforce  it  by 
stopping  the  trade  of  that  important  town,  and  with  it  to 
a  great  extent,  the  trade  of  Massachusetts  and  New  Eng- 

town  or  in  the  hands  of  any  person  in  the  government"  to  bo  brought  to 
and  lodged  at  the  State  House  in  Hartford.  This  appears  to  have  been 
done — but  in  May  13,  1725,  the  volunteers  from  this  place  asked  the  Gen- 
eral As3enibly,to  grant  liberty  for  the  delivery  of  the  anna  to  each  of  them, 
which  had  been  taken  away  by  a  former  order,  and  the  request  was  grant- 
ed bv  both  Houses. 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 


65 


land,  excited  alarm  and  indignation  in  Connecticut. 
*'  The  House  of  Representatives,  then  in  session  at  Hart- 
ford, passed  strong  resolutions  against  the  unrighteous 
act."  Many  towns  did  the  same,  and  pledged  their  co- 
operation in  defense  of  the  rights  of  the  people.  On 
the  15th  of  June  in  this  year,  more  than  five  hundred 
inhabitants  of  this  town  assembled  and  gave  such  a 
pledge.  The  following  are  their  deliberate  and  com- 
prehensive resolves  : 

1.  "  That  we  will  heartily   concur   in  any   salutary 
measures,  that  may  or  shall  be  devised  and  come  into,  or 
recommended  by  a  General  Congress,  from  all  or  most 
of  the  Colonies,  or  by  the  greater  places  of  trade  or  com- 
merce on  the  continent,  or  by  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Colony,   for   the   preservation  of  the   rights  of  British 
Americans. 

2.  That  Messrs.    Matthew  Talcott,    Richard  Alsop, 
and  Titus  Hosmer,  be  our  Committee  of  correspondence, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  collect  all  such  intelligence,  as 
may  be  necessary  to  enable  us  to  act  our  part  presently, 
and  to  good  effect  in  the  system  of  America  ;    to  com- 
municate such  intelligence  to  others,  as  may  be  useful  to 
them  and  the  common  cause,  and  in  our  behalf  to  cooper- 
ate with  the  Committees  of  other  towns,  in  concerting  or 
executing  any  general  plan  of  proceeding  for  the  good  of 
the  whole." 

It  is  not  known  that  Chatham  formally  passed  such 
resolv^  but  there  is  evidence  enough  that  they  cherish- 
ed the  same  sentiments,  and  it  is  scarcely  possible  that 
any  towns  should  have  been  more  faithful  than  these  two 
were,  in  sustaining  them. 

One  measure,  which  was  the  subject  of  much  consid- 
eration about  this  time,  was  the  breaking  off  from  all 
trade  with  the  mother  country,  so  long  as  she  should  con- 


66  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

tinuc  her  arbitrary  proceedings.  How  the  people  felt  on 
this  point,  is  clear  from  an  incident  which  occurred,  when 
the  delegates  from  Massachusetts  were  on  their  w;iy  t<> 
the  first  Continental  Congress.  Stopping  in  Middletown, 
Dr.  Eliot  Rawson,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Mortimer  and  others  * 
the  committee  of  correspondence,  Mr.  Henshaw  and 
many  other  gentlemen,  called  upon  them  to  pay  them 
their  respects,  and  to  assure  them  that  they  thought  that 
all  was  in  their  hands,  and  that  they  would  abide  by 
whatever  should  be  determined  on,  even  to  a  total  stop- 
page of  trade  to  Europe,  and  tfi£  West  Indies."  This 
assurance  is  the  more  noticeable,  because  the  wealth  of  the 
town  at  that  time,  was  mainly  derived  from  foreign  com- 
merce, and  some  of  the  gentlemen  present  were  princi- 
pals in  carrying  it  on.  Congress  assembled,  and  formed 
an  association  for  non-importation,  non-exportation  and 
non-consumption  "of  British  goods."  The  Colonial 
Assembly  approved  and  recommended  it,  and  before  the 
year  was  closed,  the  people  here  heartily  concurred  in  it, 
and  appointed  a  committee  of  inspection,  consisting  of 
seventeen  persons,  "  to  see  the  same  duly  observed,  to 
publish  the  names  of  any  willful  transgressors  of  said 
association,  and  generally  to  do  every  thing  necessary  to 
the  carrying  into  execution  the  objects  of  the  association, 
according  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  said  Con- 
gress." The  people  of  Chatham  did  the  same,  aud  ap- 
pointed a  committee  of  eleven,  larger  in  proportion  to 
their  population,  for  the  same  purpose.  Such  ^mmit- 
tec  s  were  appointed  from  time  to  time,  in  both  towns, 
through  the  Revolution.  This  measure,  thus  pursued 
here  and  elsewhere,  was  designed  to  show  Great  Britain, 
that  the  Americans  were  determined  not  to  submit  to 
oppression,  and  that  if  they  could  not  live  peaceably  with 
her,  they  would  endeavor  to  live  without  her. 


ADD&ESS   OF    DR.    FIELD.  67 

But  what  other  things  did  the  towns  of  Middletown  and 
Chatham  do,  under  all  the  motives  which  were  brought 
to  bear  upon  them  1  They  met  very  often,  considered 
the  measures  recommended  and  urged  upon  them  by  the 
General  Assembly,  or  by  the  Governor  or  Council  of 
Safety  in  behalf  of  the  Commonwealth  ;  approved  them, 
and  took  promptly  the  steps  necessary  to  their  execution. 

One  thing  which  they  did,  was  to  see  that  the  inhabi- 
tants took  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  State,  and  the  re- 
cords of  both  towns  year  after  year,  abound  with  such 
subscriptions. 

Another  thing  was  to  provide  that  sundry  articles, 
necessaries  of  life  specified  by  a  law  of  the  State,  should 
be  sold  at  certain  fixed  prices.  This  law  the  town  of 
Middletown  approved  February  10th,  1777,  soon  after 
it  was  passed,  and  all  informing  officers  were  charged 
u  to  be  very  circumspect  and  diligent  in  their  inquiries 
after  all  breaches  of  said  act."  The  binding  force  of 
this  law  is  repeatedly  recognized.  The  town  of  Chatham 
on  the  1st  of  April  in  the  same  year,  voted,  "  That  the 
inhabitants  with  one  consent,  will  join  with,  and  support 
to  the  utmost  of  their  power,  the  authority,  selectmen 
and  all  informing  officers  in  carrying  into  execution  the 
laws  made  for  the  regulation  and  affixing  the  prices  of 
certain  articles  therein  mentioned."  The  law  thus  ap- 
proved was  followed  by  another,  and  a  very  severe  one, 
against  monopoly  and  the  engrossing  both  of  agricultu- 
ral products  and  imported  goods,  entitled  an  act  to  en- 
courage fair  dealing,  and  to  restrain  and  punish  sharpers 
and  oppressors." 

Early  this  year  it  was  seen  and  felt  to  be  of  the  last 

importance,  that  the  army  of  Washington  should  not  be 

obliged  to  depend  as  much  as  it  had  been  upon  militia  ; 

but  should  have  soldiers  enlisted  for  three  years,  or  dur- 

6 


68  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

ing  the  war ;  and  Continental  battallions  were  ordered 
to  be  raised  in  the  State.  That  the  respective  towns 
might  fill  their  quotas,  all  classes  were  earnestly  exhort- 
ed, by  an  appeal  to  their  patriotism,  to  procure  the  en- 
listment of  men.  Such  orders  and  exhortations  found  a 
speedy  and  full  response  in  the  feelings  of  the  people, 
both  of  Middletown  and  Chatham.  But  it  would  be 
tedious  to  repeat  all  the  votes  they  passed,  and  measures 
they  took  to  engage  soldiers. 

Both  towns  did  much  for  the  support  of  the  families 
of  these  soldiers,  sometimes  by  assigning  them  to  the 
care  of  large  committees,  or  the  care  of  particular  fami- 
lies to  individuals.  They  also  did  much  to  supply  the 
soldiers  themselves  with  clothing. 

In  the  course  of  the  year  1777,  Middletown  voted  that 
the  selectmen  distribute  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  fami- 
lies, the  salt  belonging  to  the  town  as  they  should  think 
it  needed,  and  the  remainder  to  the  poor  at  their  discre- 
tion. Chatham  made  a  similar  donation. 

In  December  1779,  Middletown  voted  that  every  man 
in  the  town  that  has  a  team,  be  desired  to  furnish  the 
light  dragoons  with  wood,  at  least  one  load,  as  soon  as 
possible.  This  was  doubtless  much  needed,  for  the  win- 
ter proved  exceedingly  cold. 

But  to  revert  to  the  year  1774.  It  was  thought  very 
possible  then,  that  Gen.  Gage  might  use  force  against 
those  whom  he  regarded  as  rebels  against  the  British 
Government,  and  on  such  an  occurrence,  that  it  would 
be  the  duty  of  Americans  far  and  near  to  help  their  in- 
jured brethren.  Military  men  in  Connecticut  accord- 
ingly prepared  to  start  at  once,  upon  the  knowledge  of 
an  attack.  All  this  is  evident  from  the  rush  of  hundreds 
and  thousands  of  armed  men  towards  Boston,  upon  what 
is  termed  the  "  Boston  alarm,"  in  Sept.  1774.  This 


ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FIELD.  69 

was  a  premature  report  that  the  "  English  ships  of  war 
were  cannonading  Boston,  and  the  regular  troops  massa- 
cring the  inhabitants  without  distinction  of  age  or  sex." 

At  the  October  session,  this  year,  the  General  Assem- 
bly resolved,  "  That  the  several  towns  in  this  Colony  be 
and  arc  hereby  ordered  to  provide  as  soon  as  may  be, 
double  the"  quantity  of  powder,  balls  and  flints  that  they 
were  heretofore  by  law  obliged  to  provide,  under  the 
same  directions  and  penalties  as  by  law  already  pro- 
vided." 

The  circumstances  of  the  Bostonians  grew  worse  and 
worse.  Deprived  of  their  trade,  want  and  suffering 
pressed  them.  The  rich  in  Connecticut  and  elsewhere 
contributed  liberally,  and  those  of  smaller  means  added 
to  the  amount,  and  forwarded  relief.  But  as  more  was 
learned  continually  of  the  oppression  they  were  endur- 
ing, the  higher  rose  the  spirit  of  resistance. 

Titus  Hosmer  Esq.,  gave  to  this  spirit  the  sanction  of 
his  enlarged  mind.  As  the  difficulties  with  Great  Britain 
were  becoming  more  serious,  at  a  session  of  the  General 
Assembly  in  Hartford,  a  secret  meeting  was  held  by  the 
members,  in  which  a  long  and  thorough  discussion  was 
carried  on  by  appointed  debaters,  whether  in  the  con- 
troversy, Great  Britain  was  in  the  right,  or  the  Colonies. 
In  this  discussion  Mr.  Hosmer  was  conspicuous ;  great 
light  was  imparted,  the  members  became  satisfied  that 
the  right  was  with  the  Colonies,  and  that  they  would  be 
justified  in  resisting  their  oppressors  in  war,  should  war 
come.  The  members  scattered  the  light  among  their 
constituents,  and  the  grand  result  was,  that  when  the 
time  for  decided  action  arrived,  the  people  of  Connecti- 
cut were  remarkably  united,  and  so  continued  through 
the  long  contest,  which  has  effected  so  much  good  for 
our  country  and  the  world. 


70  ADDRESS  OF    DR.  FIELD, 

Blood  was  shed  at  Lexington  in  April  1775,  and  then 
the  war  commenced.  Return  Jonathan  Meigs  and  others 
of  Middletown,  on  petition,  had  been  constituted  a  com- 
pany of  light  infantry  the  preceding  year,  and  Mr,  Meigs 
became  their  captain.  Comfort  Sage  commanded  a  com- 
pany of  light  horse.  Immediately  upon  the  news  of  the 
battle  at  Lexington^  Capt.  Meigs  inarched  his  company 
"  completely  uniformed  and  equipped/'  to  the  environs 
of  Boston.  Capt.  Sage  was  there  with  his  troop,  and 
Capt.  Silas  Dunham  with  a  military  company  from 
Chatham, 

In  this  month  the  General  Assembly  held  a  session, 
and  enacted  a  law  "  to  raise  one  fourth  of  the  militia, 
for  the  special  defense  of  the  Colony ;  formed  into  com- 
panies of  one  hundred  men  each,  and  into  six  regiments." 
Tke  Assembly  "  also  authorized  the  purchase  of  three 
thousand  stand  of  arms."  About  this  time  the  compa- 
nies in  Middletown  and  Chatham  were  formed  into  a 
regiment. 

Large  sums  of  money  had  been  expended  upon  a  lead 
mine  in  this  town  \>y  foreigners ;  and  when  the 
Revolution  cominenecd,  it  was  in  the  hands  of  Col. 
James,  a  British  officer,  wh«  had  raised  a  quantity  of  tho 
ore,  and  prepared  it  for  exportation.  This  mine,  and 
this  ore,  the  government  of  Connecticut  now  seized  fwr 
their  own  use. 

The  plan  for  the  brilliant  enterprise  of  taking  Ticon. 
deroga  was  formed  in  Connecticut,  in  the  same  month  in 
which  the  war  commenced  at  Lexington.  In  this,  Sam- 
wel  Holden  Parsons,  whose  family  resided  here  in  the 
Revolution,  was  prominent ;  for  he  informed  the  General 
Assembly  afterwards  by  a  memorial, that  he,  together  with 
Samuel  Wyllys,Silas  Deane  and  others,did  in  April  1775, 
\uidertake  the  suprising  and  seizing  the  enemies'  fort  at 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  Tl 

Ticonderoga,  without  the  knowledge  of  said  Assembly, 
and  for  that  purpose  took  a  quantity  of  money  from  the 
treasury,  giving  their  receipts  for  the  money,  all  which 
[<£810]  had  been  expended  in  said  service,  and  prayed 
the  Assembly  to  cancel  said  notes  and  receipts.  The 
memorial  was  honored,  and  this  enterprise  which  Mr. 
Parsons  did  so  much  to  start  and  effect,  inspired  the 
Colonists  in  Connecticut  and  elsewhere  with  confidence, 
that  in  the  war  with  Great  Britain,  they  should  triumph: 
and  this  triumph  he  himself  did  much  to  secure. 

In  the  memorable  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  which  oc- 
curred the  following  June,  officers  and  soldiers  from  Con- 
necticut participated.  Gen.  Putnam  showed  his  usual 
intrepidity.  This  battle  fired  the  whole  country.  Hun- 
dreds of  our  men  were  about  Boston  months  afterwards. 
Many  of  the  militia  were  directed  to  points  upon  our 
own  coast,  and  to  co-operate  with  the  faithful  in  and 
about  New  York. 

But  while  the  preceding  events  and  transactions  served 
to  keep  up,  and  strengthen  the  opposition  to  Great  Bri- 
tain in  Connecticut,  it  must  be  admitted  that  there  were 
some  among  ourselves,  who  doubted  the  propriety  of  the 
course  which  the  Colonies  were  pursuing,  and  who  were 
in  heart  opposed.  Some  took  refuge  in  Nova-Scotia,  or 
other  parts  of  the  King's  dominions.  But  tories,  or 
semi-tories,  were  not  so  numerous  in  Connecticut  as  in 
some  other  colonies,  as  in  Southern  New  York  and  in  the 
Jersies,  particularly  after  the  British  had  possession  of 
New  York,  and  began  to  issue  their  proclamations.  It 
was  rather  the  colony,  whither  tories  were  sent  for  safe 
keeping  ;  so  that  the  people  were  called  to  watch  and 
guard  tories,  as  well  as  to  the  more  pleasant  service  of 
showing  hospitality  and  kindness,  to  such  as  fled  to  them 
from  Long  Island  to  escape  the  flatteries,  and  the  arms 
*  6 


72  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

of  tlie  enemy.  The  tory  mayor  of  New  York  city  was 
sent  hither,  and  many  smaller  tories.  William  Frank- 
lin, the  last  royal  Governor  of  New  Jersey,  though  the 
son  f  {'  Dr.  Benjamin  Franklin,  "the  genius  of  the  day, 
and  the  great  patron  of  American  liberty,"  and  possess- 
ing much  of  his  ability  and  shrewdness,  was  a  tory,  and 
so  remained.  A  convention  of  New  Jersey,  after  an 
examination,  declared  him  "  a  virulent  enemy  to  his 
country,"  and  a  person  that  might  prove  dangerous  ; 
and  sent  him  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  who  was  desired  to  take 
his  parole  ;  and  if  he  should  refuse  to  give  that,  "  to  treat 
him  agreeably  to  the  resolution  of  Congress  respecting 
prisoners."  The  very  day  that  the  Representatives  of 
the  Thirteen  United  Colonies  of  America  declared,  "  that 
these  Colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought  to  be  free  and  in- 
dependent States,"  Mr.  Franklin  entered  Connecticut. 
The  next  morning  a  parole  was  prepared  for  him,  by 
Gov.  Trumbull  and  the  Council  of  Safety.  He  moved 
for  an  alteration  in  the  parole,  and  for  liberty  to  return 
to  New  Jersey,  which  was  refused.  He  then  asked  per- 
mission to  go  to  Stratford.  This  was  not  granted,  but 
he  was  informed  that  he  might  go  to  Wallingford,  to 
which  he  finally  consented,  "  and  signed  bis  parole  ac- 
cordingly." In  a  few  days  "  he  applied  to  be  removed 
from  Wallingford  to  Middletown,  which  wTas  granted  on 
the  same  parole."  Here  he  came  and  remained  until 
the  people  were  alarmed  by  his  influence ;  for  in  a  town 
meeting,  January  7th,  1777,  they  appointed  Capt.  Sam- 
uel Russt'1,  Col.  Comfort  Sage  and  Seth  Wetmore  Jun., 
to  prefer  a  petition  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  to  remove  Gov. 
Franklin  from  the  town,  for  tbc  safety  of  the  town  and 
State.  What  Gov.  Trumbull  at  once  did  is  not  ascer- 
tained, but  it  is  probable  he  consulted  the  Congi-ess  of 
the  United  States  :  for  on  the  22d  of  April  "  Congress 


ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD.  78 

resolved,  That  Gov.  Trumbull  be  informed,  that  Con- 
gress have  received  undoubted  information,  that  William 
Franklin,  late  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  and 
now  a  prisoner  in  Connecticut,  has,  since  his  removal  to 
that  State,  sedulously  employed  himself,  in  dispersing 
among  the  inhabitants  the  protection  of  Lord  Howe  and 
Gen.  Howe,  styled  the  King's  commissioners  for  grant- 
ing pardons,  &c.,  and  otherwise  aided  and  abetted  the 
enemies  of  the  United  States ;  and  that  he  be  requested 
forthwith  to  order  the  said  William  Franklin  Esq.,  into 
close  confinement,  prohibiting  to  him  the  use  of  pen,  ink 
and  paper,  or  the  access  of  any  person  or  persons,  but 
such  as  are  properly  licensed  by  Governor  Trumbull.* 

The  year  1776,  was  rendered  remarkable  by  the  de- 
parture of  the  British  from  Boston,  their  approach  to 
New  York,  and. eventual  occupation  of  the  city,  which 
they  held  until  the  cessation  of  hostilities,  and  the  arri- 
val of  the  treaty  of  peace.  It  was  rendered  remarka- 
ble also,  by  the  almost  incessant  calls  for  the  services  of 
our  men  within  our  own  borders  and  beyond  them,  as 
appears  in  part  from  the  records  of  the  commonwealth 
now  before  the  public,  in  part  from  other  histories,  and 
from  tradition.  After  177G  indeed,  until  the  close  of  the 
war,  our  whole  seaboard  was  exposed  to  alarms  and  at- 
tacks, and  how  seriously,  let  the' incursions  of  the  enemy 
into  Danbury  and  New  Haven  ;  the  burning  of  Norwalk, 
Fairficld  and  New  London  tell,  and  the  accursed  massa- 
cre at  Groton.  But  as  to  the  scenes  of  that  most  trying 
year. 

In  May  "  lai'gc  detachments  of  militia  were  ordered 
to  hold  themselves  in  constant  readiness  to  march  at  the 

*  Journals  of  Congress.  Vol.  III.  pp.  121. 


74  ADD&tSS   OF    DR.    FIELD. 

shortest  notice,  for  the  defence  of  any  portion  of  Con- 
necticut) or  other  adjoining  Colonies  •" 

In  June,  seven  regiments  were  ordered  to  march  im- 
mediately, and  join  the  Continental  army  in  New  York," 
and  at  this  time  James  Wadsworth  Jim.,  of  Durham 
was  appointed  Brigadier  General,  and  among  the  seven 
Colonels  then  appointed,  was  Comfort  Sage  of  this  town, 
who  as  Captain,  Avcnt  with  a  company  of  light  horse  to 
the  neighborhood  of  Boston  the  preceding  year. 

In  August  following,  the  whole  of  the  standing  militia 
of  the  State  west  of  Connecticut  river,  together  with  two 
regiments  on  the  eastern  side,  were  ordered  to  march  to 
New  York  city,  and  about  the  same  time  a  large  propor- 
tion of  the  remainder,  were  sent  to  aid  the  inhabitants 
of  Suffolk  county  on  Long  Island.  In  the  beginning  of 
September,  the  standing  militia  together  with  the  light 
horse  on  the  east  side  the  river,  were  ordered  to  march 
with  the  utmost  expedition  to  Westdhester,  near  New 
York.  These  drafts  ef  course  included  the  militia  of 
Middletown  and  Chatham.  In  the  operations  in  the 
months  of  August,  September  and  October,  on  Long 
Island,  in  and  about  New  York,  "  the  Connecticut  forces 
comprised  a  large  portion  of  Washington's  army.  The 
regular  troops  were  formed  into  a  division,  comprising 
two  brigades.  The  division  was  commanded  by  Major 
Gen.  Joseph  Spencer  "  of  East  Haddam  and  by  Brig. 
Gen.  James  Wadsworth  of  Durham,  just  mentioned, 
and  Samuel  H.  Parsons  of  this  place.  "  They  signa- 
lized themselves  in  all  the  achievments,"  and  were  dis- 
tinguished for  their  sufferings,  as  well  as  for  their  valor. 
Capt.  Jabez  ILunlin,  who  had  been  an  cnrign  under 
Capt.  R.  J.  Meigs  the  year  before,  died  of  sickness  this 
year  at  East  Chester.  Col.  Sage  remained  at  or  near 
White  Plains  in  November  in  the  same  year,  and  it  is 


ADDRESS    OF   DR.    FIELD.  75 

understood  was  in  the  service  of  his  country  long  after- 
wards. 

The  standing  militia  of  the  State  were  subjected  to 
five  heavy  drafts  in  1776,  and  were  sent  to  Rhode 
Island,  to  Long  Island,  to  New  York,  to  the  High  Lands, 
and  to  the  western  borders  of  this  State.  Instead  of 
asking  therefore  who  went  into  the  war  from  Middletown 
and  Chatham  this  year,  we  may  rather  ask,  who  did 
not  go? 

The  privations  and  hardships  of  militia  men  this  year 
were  great.  They  sacrificed  the  sweets  of  home  for  a 
large  portion  of  time,  and  their  business  was  deranged 
or  suspended.  These  things  however  were  as  nothing 
compared  with  the  sufferings  of  those  who  were  taken 
prisoners,  particularly  of  such  as  were  confined  in  New 
York.  A  letter  from  a  prisoner  of  distinction,  belong- 
ing to  Connecticut,  dated  New  York,  December  26th, 
1776,  declares,  "  The  distress  of  the  prisoners  cannot 
be  communicated  by  words.  Twenty  or  thirty  die  every 
day  ;  they  lie  in  heaps  unburied.  What  number  of  my 
countrymen  have  died  by  cold  and  hunger,  perished  for 
the  want  of  the  necessaries  of  life.  I  have  seen  it." 
Samuel  Clark  of  this  town  "  stated  to  the  Assembly, 
that  he  was  one  of  the  unfortunate  men  taken  at  fort 
Washington,  and  confined  in  N.ew  York  until  December 
1776,  and  then  with  others  nearly  dead,  liberated  on 
parole,"* 

*  It  is  impossible  to  ascertain  at  this  time,  all  who  died  during  the 
Revolution,  from  battle  and  other  evils  connected  with  it.  Some  idea 
may  be  formed  of  the  mortality  from  the  statements  following.  John  and 
James  Smith,  Abijah  Kirby,  Nathan  Edwards  and  Reuben  White,  from 
Upper  Middletown  died  in  prison  in  New  York.  Some  escaped  from 
prison  there,  while  others  remained  until  released.  What  numbers  then 
from  different  parts  of  Middletown  must  have  felt  the  horrors  of  i 


T6  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

In  describing  the  events  of  this  trying  year,  Mar- 
shall says,  "  While  the  seat  of  war  was  in  New  York, 
very  essential  aid  was  given  by  that  State,"  but,  he 
adds,  the  main  force  of  the  army  was  drawn  from  New 
England.  Such  was  the  zeal  and  unanimity  of  those 
States,  that  while  the  enemy  remained  in  their  neighbor- 
hood, requisitions  for  militia  were  unformly  complied 
with,  and  they  enabled  the  American  army  to  keep  up  a 

mont  in  that  city  1  Moses  Pelton,  n  soldier  from  Portland  is  said  to  havo 
been  killed  in  the  war.  David  Sage,  Timothy  Cornwall,  Isaac  Buck) 
Bartlett  and  Lemuel  Lewis  and  others,  are  said  to  have  died  of  sickness 
or  in  prison.  Jacob  Norton  from  East  Hampton  died  in  prison  in  New 
York.  In  a  bill  of  mortality  kept  iu  Middle  Haddam  by  RCT.  Benjamin 
Boardinan,  Asa  Brainerd  is  mentioned  as  dying  iu  the  camp  in  1775 ; 
Hcinan  Iliggins  as  dying  in  the  army,  of  sickness  in  1778;  Jesse  IIiggins 
also  as  dying  in  the  army  the  same  year  :  Nathaniel  Kich  was  killed  in 
the  action  of  Norwalk,  July  llth,  1779,  and  the  same  year  Jabez  Arnold 
Jun.,  died  in  a  tour  in  the  militia  at  East  Haven.  Jonathan  Cook  Jun., 
and  Seth  Higgius  are  mentioned  as  dying  prisoners  in  New  York  in  tho 
latter  part  of  1777,  and  not  far  from  the  same  time,Jessc  Swaddle,  Elisha 
Taylor,  Seth  Doane  Jun.,  and  John  Snow  arc  mentioned  as  dying  on  their 
way  home  from  captivity.  And  it  should  be  added  here,  that  not  only 
great  numbers  of  captive  soldiers  suffered  in  prison,  but  a  considerable 
number  of  captive  privateersmen,  out  of  the  many  living  on  Connecticut 
river,  who  engaged  in  this  tempting  and  hazardous  concern.  This  was 
true  of  the  officers  and  orew  of  the  Sloop  of  War  Sampson,  built  at  Hig- 
ganum,  some  of  whom,  about  one  hundred  in  all,  are  understood  to  have 
been  from  Chatham,  some  were  probably  from  Middlctown.  These  were 
consigned  to  the  old  Jersey.  In  the  records  just  referred  to,  and  under 
date  of  June  4th,  1782,  Capt.  David  Brooks,  the  commander  of  the  sloop, 
Nathaniel  Stocking,  Jonathan  Brainerd  Jun.,  William  Akins  or  Atkins, 
Elihu  Cook,  Elijah  Green  and  James  Stocking  are  mentioned  as  dying  in 
New  York.  Shubael  Braiuerd,  the  first  Lieutenant,  is  known  to  have  died 
in  the  prisonship,  it  is  believed  many  others  did.  Tradition  declares  that 
numbers  belonging  to  the  sloop,  died  in  New  York  about  the  time  of  the 
the  Commander  and  first  Lieutenant. 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  77 

respectable  appearance."*     To  a  liberal  share  of  this 
commendation  Connecticut  is  justly  entitled. 

Nor  did  the  services  of  the  militia  of  New  England, 
and  especially  that  of  Connecticut  close  with  1776. — 
The  enemy  were  too  much  in  our  neighborhood  after- 
wards, and  among  us.  The  campaign  of  1777  opened 
with  the  invasion  of  Connecticut,  and  the  march  of  the 
enemy  to  Danbury.  Their  services  were  needed  this 
year  in  Pennsylvania,  and  in  the  Jersies ;  in  Rhode 
Island,  which  was  invaded  ;  particularly  in  the  State  of 
New  York,  while  a  junction  of  the  British  forces  in  the 
city  with  the  army  of  Burgoyne  was  apprehended  ;  and 
years  after  his  surrender,  they  were  needed  about  the 
Hudson  river.  We  needed  them  long  in  our  own  State; 
for  in  addition  to  the  continual  exposure  of  the  coast, 
the  burning  of  Norwalk  and  Fairfield,  and  the  attack 
on  New  Haven,  occured  in  1779 ;  the  burning  of  New 
London,  and  the  massacre  at  Groton  in  1781. 

But  as  much  as  militia  men  suffered  by  frequent  and 
sudden  marches,  absence  from  home  and  the  derange- 
ment of  business,  by  cold  and  storm,  sickness  and  con- 
flict, the  Continental  soldiers  had  a  harder  lot.  They 
were  called  to  greater  distances,  and  kept  longer  from 
their  families,  were  more  exposed  to  sickness  from  change 
of  climate,  and  the  more  they  learned  of  the  military 
art,  the  more  liable  to  have  a  position  assigned  them  in 
the  hottest  of  the  battle.  Much  compassion  was  felt 
for  them,  and  much  was  done  for  the  relief  of  their  wives 
and  children  in  their  absence,  and  yet  when  the  war  was 
over,  many  returned  poor  to  their  homes. 

Among  the  families  helped  in  Middletown,  were  those 
of  Colonels,  Return  Jonathan  Meigs,  John  Sumner,  and 

*  Washington's  Life,  Vol.  III.  pp.  53. 


78  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

Jonathan  Johnson  ;  Captains,  Robert  Warner,  Edward 
Eells,  Abijah  Savage,  David  Starr  and  William  Sizer ', 
Lieutenants,  William  Henshaw,  Hezekiah  Hubbard, 
John  Hubbard  and  Othniel  Clark,  which  renders  it  pro- 
bable, that  all  these  for  a  time  were  in  the  Continental 
service,  many  of  them  certainly  were.  But  how  inany 
more  officers  from  Middletown  were  in  the  continental 
line,  it  would  be  difficult  at  this  late  period  to  ascertain. 
And  it  is  more  difficult  to  ascertain  the  like  fact  in  re- 
gard to  Chatham ;  for  though  the  people  of  that  town 
were  prompt  and  liberal  in  providing  for  the  families  of 
those  who  were  in  the  regular  army,  they  were  not  so 
particular  in  naming  them.  Another  thing  which  in- 
creases the  perplexity  is,  that  persons  enlisted  at  differ- 
ent times,  some  after  they  had  served  in  the  militia. 
Some,  about  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  enlisted  in- 
to the  service  of  their  country  during  the  war.  A  re- 
cruiting officer  appeared  then  in  one  of  the  neighbor- 
hoods of  Middle  Haddam,  as  an  aged  man  now  living 
distinctly  remembers,  procured  several  enlistments  there, 
and  more  in  the  surrounding  neighborhoods  ;  a  thing 
which  was  probably  done  in  other  parts  of  ancient  Mid- 
dletown. But  as  the  number  of  these  was  diminished 
by  death,  by  loss  of  health  or  limbs ;  or  as  the  war 
raged  more,  or  regular  soldiers  were  more  valued,  new 
enlistments  were  called  for,  for  the  residue  of  the  Avar,  or 
for  given  periods.  From  what  information  has  been  re- 
ceived, it  is  believed,  that  Col.  John  Penfield,  Capt. 
Joseph  Blague,  afterwards  Col.  Blague,  Capt.  John 
Cooper,  Lieut.  Daniel  Stewart,  and  Ensign  Daniel  Shep- 
herd were  commissioned  officers  in  the  Revolution,  from 
that  part  of  Chatham  which  is  now  Portland,  and  more 
or  less  in  the  service  of  their  country.  Several  of  them 
may  have  been  continental  officers.  Capt.  Blague  was 


ADDRESS   OF     DR.    FIELD.  79 

for  a  time,  and  commanded  a  company  in  the  battle  at 
Saratoga.  On  some  occasion,  Gen.  Lafayette  as  an  ex- 
pression of  esteem  for  him  as  an  officer,  and  it  is  said  in 
the  presence  of  Washington,  gave  him  a  beautiful  sword.* 
Captains  Silas  Dunham  and  Stephen  Brainerd,  Lieut. 
Marcus  Cole,  his  son  Ensign  Abner  Cole,  breveted  Lieu- 
tenant, from  what  is  now  Chatham,  were  in  the  war. 
The  Coles  were  Continental  officers,  and  some  of  the 
other  officers  may  have  been,  and  others  still,  not  now 
specified. 

First  or  last,  almost  all  that  could,  in  some  capacity, 
took  part  in  the  long  contest.  Continental  soldiers  went 
where  they  were  commanded.  Militia  men  by  regular 
drafts  and  orders,  or  on  the  report  of  danger,  flew  to  the 
places  where  the  enemy  came,  or  was  apprehended. 
Old  men,  exempted  by  age  from  service,  showed  a  dispo- 
sition to  do  what  they  could.  About  sixty  here  formed 
themselves  into  a  company,  to  learn  more  of  the  military 
art,  with  a  determination  to  preserve  the  liberty  of  their 
country.  They  marched  in  these  streets.  The  drum- 
.  mer  of  the  company  was  over  eighty,  and  was  as  much 
engaged  and  alert  as  in  his  younger  days.  Lads  sym- 
pathized and  imitated.  Mothers,  wives,  daughters  and 
sisters,  while  laboring  more  in  the  house  for  the  comfort 
of  those  gone  to  the  camp,  entered  themselves  into  the 
field,  and  did  the  work  of  men. 

To  tell  all  that  the  people  of  Middletown  and  Chatham 
did,  during  the  protracted  struggle,  were  all  the  facts 
collected  and  arranged,  would  require  much  time.  They 
are  not  collected  and  cannot  be  now,  as  many  records 
have  perished  since  they  transpired,  and  the  performers 
of  them  almost  entirely,  and  most  of  their  immediate  de- 

*  Now  in  the  hands  of  his  son-in-law,  Col.  Covil. 

7 


80  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

scendants  have  already  gone  to  the  grave.  Still  some 
further  ideas  may  be  gathered  from  sketches  of  -a  few 
individuals,  for  which  there  are  more  ample  materials. 

Capt.  Return  Jonathan  Meigs  has  been  spoken  of. 
He  was  born  in  this  town.  The  family  was  from  that 
part  of  Guilford  which  is  now  Madison.  In  the  capaci- 
ty of  major,  he  accompanied  Arnold  up  the  Kennebec 
river  to  the  city  of  Quebec,  and  wrote  the  best  account 
that  exists  of  that  perilous  and  suffering  expedition. 
Abijah  Savage  of  the  Upper  Houses  was  with  him,  and 
probably  others  from  Middletown  and  Chatham.  Mr. 
Savage  was  then  an  officer,  afterwards  a  continental  cap- 
tain, as  just  noticed.  The  provisions  for  the  expedition 
were  scanty,  and  a  part  of  the  corps  were  obliged  to 
stop  on  the  way,  and  return  to  avoid  starvation.  The 
rest  kept  on,  and  at  the  end  of  sixty-three  days,  on  the 
night  of  the  13th  of  December  1775,  crossed  the  St. 
Lawrence  at  Wolf's  Cove,  without  being  discovered  by 
the  guard  boats  from  the  men  of  war,  and  formed  in  good 
order  on  the  Plains  of  Abraham,  near  the  city  of  Que- 
bec, while  the  British  sentinels  were  articulating  "  all  is 
well."  But  successfully  as  they  had  accomplished  their 
journey,  the  soldiers  were  emaciated  by  fatigue  and 
hunger ;  their  clothes  were  nearly  worn  out  or  rent  from 
their  bodies  ;  their  time  of  enlistment  was  expired ; 
they  were  penniless,  and  in  these  circumstances  could 
not  but  think  of  wages,  kindred  and  home.  But  when 
Gen.  Montgomery  arrived  with  his  force  by  a  different 
route,  he  was  anxious  in  the  emergency  of  the  case,  that 
the  men  should  re-enlist.  They  were  marched  in  front 
of  his  quarters,  and  he  addressed  them  "  like  a  father, 
like  a  brother,  and  like  a  soldier,"  and  in  less  than 
twenty  minutes  gained  their  hearts,  and  to  a  man  they 
volunteered  their  services.  The  storming  of  the  city 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

followed  on  the  last  day  of  the  year,  and  the  result  is 
known.  The  New  England  men  fought  most  bravely. 
Maj.  Meigs  entered  with  a  battallion  within  the  walls  of 
the  city,  but  was  made  prisoner  with  captains  Morgan 
and  Dearborn,  afterwards  American  Generals.  Upon 
his  exchange  and  return  in  1TT7,  he  was  appointed 
Lieutenant  colonel,  with  authority  to  raise  a  regiment. 
Having  raised  it  in  part,  he  marched  to  New  Haven,  and 
was  then  designated  by  Gen.  Parsons,  to  execute  a  pro- 
ject for  the  surprisal  and  capture  of  a  body  of  the  ene- 
my at  Sag  Harbor,  L.  I.  He  embarked  with  about  two 
hundred  and  thirty  men,  in  thirteen  whale  boats,  and 
proceeded  eastward  as  far  as  Sachem's  Head  in  Guil- 
ford,  that  he  might  the  better  cross  the  Sound.  At  that 
place  he  re-embarked  one  hundred  and  seventy  of  his 
detachment,  May  23d,  at  1  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  landed 
within  three  miles  of  Sag  Harbor  at  1  o'clock  at  night. 
Having  made  arrangements  for  attacking  the  enemy  at 
five  different  places,  they  proceeded  with  the  greatest 
order  and  silence  within  twenty  rods  of  them,  and  then 
rushed  with  fixed  bayonets  upon  their  barracks,  guards 
and  quarters,  while  Capt.  Throop  with  a  party  under 
his  command,  at  the  same  time,  took  possession  of  the 
wharves  and  vessels  lying  there.  The  alarm  soon  be- 
came general,  a  schooner  of  the  enemy,  of  twelve  guns, 
within  one  hundred  and  fifty  rods  of  the  wharves,  opened 
an  incessant  fire,  but  with  little  effect.  Twelve  vessels, 
brigs  and  sloops  were  destroyed,  a  great  amount  of 
forage  and  provisions ;  six  men  were  killed  and  ninety 
taken  prisoners.  Col.  Meigs  returned  to  Guilford  with, 
his  prisoners  in  twenty -five  hours  from  his  departure, 
having  transported  his  men  by  water  and  land  in  that 
time  ninety  miles,  without  the  loss  or  injury  of  a  single 
person.  Such  is  the  substance  of  two  accounts  of  that 


82  ADDRESS  OF    DR.  FIELD. 

memorable  exploit.  In  view  of  it  Congress  resolved ; 
"  That  Congress  have  a  just  sense  of  the  merit  of  Lieut. 
Col.  Mcigs,  and  the  officers  and  men  under  his  com- 
mand, who  distinguished  their  prudence,  activity,  enter- 
prise and  valor,  in  the  late  expedition  to  Long  Island  ; 
and  that  an  elegant  sword  be  provided  by  the  commissa- 
ry general  of  military  stores,  and  presented  to  Lieut. 
Col.  Meigs."  Probably  numbers  from  Middletown  and 
Chatham  were  in  this  expedition. 

"  In  1779  Col.  Meigs  commanded  one  of  the  regi- 
ments under  Gen.  Wayne  which  stormed  and  carried 
Stony  Point."  Probably  many  individuals  from  Mid- 
dletown were  in  that  regiment.  One  who  was  in  it  from 
Middle  Haddam,  used  to  say  that  he  determined  and 
strove  to  be  the  first  to  lay  hold  of  the  flag-staff.  In 
this  he  failed,  but  always  affirmed  that  he  helped  the 
more  successful  aspirant  pull  the  flag  down.  His  honest 
character  is  evidence  that  he  spoke  the  truth.  His  name 
was  John  Strong. 

After  the  peace,  Col.  Meigs  returned  to  this  town  and 
lived  a  few  years,  but  in  1787  went  with  the  very  ear- 
liest emigrants  to  Marietta,  the  first  town,  (as  has  been 
mentioned,)  settled  by  the  English  in  the  great  State  of 
Ohio.  Though  an  ordinance  had  been  provided  for  the 
government  of  the  Northwest  Territory,  and  a  Governor 
and  Judges  were  appointed,  yet  they  had  not  arrived, 
and  the  emigrants  were  without  civil  law  and  authority. 
Col.  Meigs  drew  up  a  concise  system  of  regulations 
which  were  adopted  by  the  emigrants  until  the  proper 
authorities  should  arrive.  These  regulations  spread  up- 
on a  sheet,  were  attached  to  the  side  of  a  large  oak  from 
which  the  bark  was  cut  off  to  receive  them,  standing  at 
the  confluence  of  the  Muskingum  with  the  Ohio.  They 


ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD.  83 

were  as  frequently  consulted,  it  is  affirmed,  as  the  oracle 
of  ancient  Delphos,  and  very  happily  regarded. 

In  the  latter  years  of  his  life  he  was  Indian  agent  at 
the  Cherokee  station,  and  was  so  beloved  and  trusted  by 
the  Indians,  that  they  denominated  him  emphatically 
"  The  White  Path."  At  this  station  he  died,  Jan.  28, 
1823,  in  his  83d  year.  It  is  said  his  death  was  serene- 
ly happy  in  the  assurance  of  Christian  hope,  and  that  at 
his  funeral  a  petition  ascended  to  heaven,  that  his  succes- 
sors at  the  Cherokee  station  might  walk  in  the  White 
Path.  His  remains  were  interred  amidst  a  concourse  of 
friends,  with  the  honors  of  war. 

Col.  Meigs  had  three  younger  brothers  who  lived  to 
adult  age,  Giles,  John  and  Josiah. 

Giles  Meigs  lived  and  died  in  this  town,  and  is  remem- 
bered by  the  people.  He  was  a  captain  of  militia  in 
the  Revolution,  and  went  with  his  company  to  New 
London. 

John  Meigs  entered  the  army  a  volunteer  at  the  be- 
ginning, and  served  through  the  war.  He  was  attached 
to  the  regiment  of  Col.  Webb,  was  appointed  adjutant, 
and  for  a  time  acted  as  brigade  major.  He  soon  receiv- 
ed a  commission,  and  serving  a  few  months  as  a  Lieuten- 
ant, was  advanced  to  a  captaincy.  During  a  part  of  the 
war  he  was  stationed  in  Rhode  Island,  and  two  or  three 
years  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  High  Lands.  He  was 
a  very  active  officer,  and  much  beloved  by  his  regiment. 
In  1797  he  removed  to  New  Hartford,  where  he  died  in 
1826,  aged  73  years. 

Josiah  Meigs  was  a  graduate  and  tutor  of  Yale  Col- 
lege, subsequently  a  lawyer,  in  which  capacity  he  resi- 
ded and  acted  for  a  time  at  Bermuda,  where  he  had  an 
opportunity  to  observe  how  our  vessels  and  men  were 
treated  by  the  English,  and  to  plead  in  their  behalf  in 
*  7 


ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

the  court  of  Admiralty.  For  years  afterwards  he  was 
Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy  in 
Yale  College ;  then  President  of  the  University  of  Geor- 
gia at  Athens,  and  then  Surveyor  General  of  the  United 
States.  At  last  he  was  placed  at  the  head  of  the  U.  S. 
Land  office  at  Washington,  where  he  died  in  1822  aged 
sixty-five. 

Gen.  Parsons  has  been  repeatedly  mentioned.  Ho 
was  born  at  Lyme,  and  was  the  third  son  of  Rev.  Jona- 
than Parsons,  an  eminent  clergyman,  for  some  years 
minister  of  Lyme,  and  then  at  Newburyport,  Mass.  He 
was  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1756,  and  read 
law  with  his  maternal  uncle,  Hon.  Matthew  Griswold, 
afterwards  Governor  of  Connecticut.  He  commenced 
the  practice  of  law  in  Lyme,  and  represented  that  town 
ten  or  twelve  years  consecutively  in  the  Legislature. 
Having  been  appointed  King's  attorney  for  New  London 
county,  he  removed  to  the  town  of  New  London  in  1774. 
He  had  an  elevated  standing  at  the  bar,  but  resigned 
his  appointment  as  King's  attorney  at  the  opening  of 
the  Revolution.  About  the  time  of  his  agency  in  form- 
ing the  plan  for  taking  Ticonderoga,  he  was  made  a 
colonel,  marched  his  regiment  to  Roxbury,  and  remained 
there  until  the  enemy  evacuated  Boston.  He  was  in 
the  battle  on  Long  Island  in  August  1776,  about  which 
time  he  received  an  appointment  as  Brigadier  General. 
He  was  subsequently  in  many  important  military  tran- 
sactions under  Washington  and  Putnam,  about  New 
York,  the  Hudson  river  and  the  western  section  of  Con- 
necticut, in  which  he  showed  great  activity,  judgment 
and  courage* 

In  1780  he  was  one  of  the  judges  on  the  trial  of  Ma- 
jor Andre,  and  about  that  time  became  Major  General. 
For  his  successful  attack  on  the  British  troops  in  Mor- 


ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD.  85 

risania  in  1781,  Congress  requested  the  Commander- 
in-chief  to  express  to  him  their  thanks.  In  the  latter 
part  of  this  year,  the  Governor  and  Council  of  Safety  of 
Connecticut,  requested  him  to  take  the  command  of  the 
State  troops  and  coast  guards,  and  to  dispose  of  them  as 
he  should  judge  necessary,  to  protect  the  inhabitants 
against  desultory  expeditions  of  the  enemy. 

Upon  the  establishment  of  peace,  Gen.  Parsons  open- 
ed a  law  office  in  this  town.  He  was  sent  to  the  Legis- 
lature, and  in  the  measures  for  the  formation  of  Mid- 
dlesex county,  was  more  active  and  influential  than  any 
other  man.  In  1785,  the  year  in  which  this  was  formed, 
he  traveled  to  Ohio,  and  in  January  following  held  a 
treaty  with  the  Indians,  in  connection  with  Gen.  Rich- 
ard Butler  and  Gen.  George  R.  Clark,  near  the  mouth 
of  the  Great  Miami.  In  this  treaty  the  Indians  ceded 
to  the  United  States  a  large  and  valuable  tract  of  coun- 
try. He  returned  home  the  following  spring,  and  in 
October  following,  (1787,)  he  was  appointed  by  Congress 
first  judge  of  the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio,  but  did 
not  go  forward  and  enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  office,  until 
he  had  taken  a  part  in  the  Convention  of  Connecticut, 
which  in  January  1788  adopted  the  National  Constitu- 
tion. His  associates  were  Gen.  James  M.  Varnum  of 
of  Rhode  Island,  and  the  Hon.  John  Cleves  Symmes* 
of  New  Jersey.  In  1789  Gen.  Parsons  took  a  journey 
to  the  Western  Reserve,  to  make  arrangements  for  form- 
ing a  treaty  with  Indian  tribes,  who  claimed  lands  in 
that  portion  of  Ohio.  In  the  contemplated  treaty, 
Oliver  Wolcott  of  Litchfiefd,  the  first  Governor  of  that 

*  Mr.  Symmes  was  a  son  of  Rev.  Timothy  Symmes,  the  first  minister 
of  Millington,  in  East  Haddam,  and  father-in-law  of  Gen.  Harrison 
late  President  of  the  United  States. 


86  ADDRESS   OF     DR.    FIELD. 

name,  and  James  Davenport  Jun.  Esq.,  of  Stamford, 
were  appointed  by  the  government  of  Connecticut  to  act 
with  him.  But  in  that  treaty  he  did  not  take  a  part ; 
for  in  returning  to  his  residence  in  Marietta,  he  was 
drowned  in  descending  the  rapids  of  the  Great  Beaver 
Creek,  Nov.  17,  1789,  aged  52. 

Nehemiah  Hubbard,  a  direct  descendant  of  George 
Hubbard,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  this  town,  was 
born  April  10th,  1752,  O.  S.,  and  at  the  age  of  fourteen, 
went  to  live  with  Col.  Matthew  Talcott,  as  clerk  in  his 
store,  where  he  continued  until  he  was  twenty-one  years 
of  age.  He  then  went  to  the  West  Indies,  first  as  su- 
percargo, and  afterwards  as  captain  and  merchant. 

Early  in  1776,  he  entered  the  army,  and  in  May  of 
that  year,  was  appointed  by  Gov.  Trumbull  paymaster 
to  the  regiment,  commanded  by  Col.  Burrall,  and  which 
was  sent  on  service  to  the  shore  of  Lake  Champlain. 
He  first  went  and  paid  the  troops  at  forts  Stanwix,  Schuy- 
ler,  Hcrkimcr,  on  the  Mohawk,  and  then  joined  his 
regiment  at  Ticonderoga,  where  he  remained  some  time. 
"  In  May,  1777,  he  was  appointed  by  Major  General 
Greene,  who  was  at  that  time  quarter-master  general  of 
the  United  States,  his  deputy  for  the  State  of  Connecti- 
cut ;  which  post  he  filled  until  the  resignation  of  Gen. 
Greene.  He  was  again  appointed  by  Colonel  Pickering, 
then  acting  as  quarter-master  general,  but  he  declined. 
He  continued,  however,  to  discharge  the  duties  of  depu- 
ty-quarter-master  general,  till  relieved  by  another  per- 
son, when  he  entered  into  the  service  with  Wadsworth 
and  Carter,  who  supplied  the  French  army.  This  he 
accompanied  to  Yorktown,  and  was  present  at  the  siege 
and  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis." 

"  As  a  provider  of  public  supplies,  all  his  movements 
were  marked  by  decision,  promptness  and  punctuality. 


ADDRESS    OF   DR.    FIELD.  87 

The  resources  of  Connecticut  were  brought  forward  at 
the  most  critical  juncture  ;  and  while  the  army  was  en- 
during the  greatest  privations,  it  was  frequently  relieved 
by  this  State,  through  his  energy  and  extraordinary  ex- 
ertion. As  a  specimen  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him 
by  such  men  as  Washington,  Green,  Trumbull,  and 
Hamilton  ;  it  ought  to  be  mentioned  that  after  the  or- 
ganization of  the  present  government,  Colonel  Hamilton, 
while  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  was  pressingly  urgent 
to  have  him  take  the  management  of  an  institution  which 
he  wished  to  establish,  for  promoting  the  manufactures 
of  the  country." 

"  After  the  Revolutionary  war,  ho  Bottled  here  as  a 
merchant,  where  he  continued  the  remainder  of  his  life. 
As  a  proof  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  his  ability  and 
integrity,  it  may  be  mentioned,  that  he  was  justly  placed 
at  the  head  of  two  of  our  most  important  monied  insti- 
tutions. He  was  President  of  the  Middletown  Bank, 
from  1808  till  1822,  when  he  resigned,  being  then  seventy 
years  of  age.  He  was  also  the  first  President  of  the 
Savings  Bank,  and  held  that  place  until  his  death." 

"  Many  instances  have  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
writer,  in  which  he  showed  the  most  enlarged  liberality, 
in  furnishing  young  men  and  other  persons  with  money, 
to  enable  them  to  begin  and  advance  in  business." 

"  The  person  of  Mr.  Hubbard  was  rather  above  the 
ordinary  stature  :  his  appearance  very  commanding,  and 
he  retained  a  very  erect  form  till  the  last,  with  an  un- 
common exemption  from  most  of  the  infirmities  of  age. 
His  memory  and  judgment  seemed  to  be  unimpaired  to 
the  last.  His  judgment  was  quick,  discriminating  and 
rarely  erroneous.  In  his  deportment  there  was  always 
a  most  noble  frankness,  nor  did  he  fail  honestly  to  re- 
prove, when  he  saw  rebuke  required.  A  reproof  from  him 


88  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

carried  a  sting  to  the  conscience,  that  in  the  end  worked 
for  good,  instead  of  being  productive  of  rancorous  re- 
sentment." 

11  As  a  man  of  business,  he  was  uncommonly  methodi- 
cal and  was  altogether,  one  of  the  first  merchants  of  his 
day.  In  his  private  walk  and  character,  were  beheld  all 
the  stern  virtues  that  adorned  the  lives  of  some  of  the 
best  of  the  New  England  Pilgrim  fathers.  He  was  a  faith- 
ful attendant  on  public  worship,  in  one  society,  during  fifty 
years,  and  for  the  last  eighteen  years  an  exemplary  pro- 
fessor of  religion.  And  it  must  be  known  to  the  citizens 
generally,  how  unremitted  were  his  exertions  for  ilie 
cause  of  Christianity,  and  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel 
abroad,  as  well  as  for  its  support  at  home,  together  with 
the  deep  interest  which  he  took  in  the  welfare  of  the 
church  to  which  he  belonged." 

"  He  gave  liberally  to  all  engaged  in  good  works,  and 
the  calls  of  the  present  day  arc  not  few.  He  was,  in- 
deed, ever  conspicuous,  though  unostentatious  in  every 
good  work.  Than  he,  Middletown  never  possessed  a 
citizen  of  more  sterling  worth  or  purer  patriotism." 

Many  of  his  ancestors  and  relatives,  were  distinguish- 
ed for  longevity.  He  died  February  6th,  1837,  aged 
eighty-five  years,  and  we  trust  ascended  to  the  eternal 
rest,  prepared  for  the  righteous. 

His  numerous  relatives,  descendants  and  connections 
will  look  back  with  veneration  to  his  memory.* 

Other  respected  inhabitants  of  Middletown,  who  help- 
ed forward  the  Revolution  in  one  capacity  and  another, 
deserve  more  notice  than  can  now  be  given  them. 

Matthew  Talcott  settled  in  Middletown  as  a  mer- 
chant about  1750,  and  was  advanced  in  the  militia  to 

*  Obituar7  in  Sentinel  and  Witness,  Feb.  15th,  1837. 


ADDRESS    OP   DR.    FIELD.  89 

the  rank  of  a  colonel.  When  the  Revolution  commenced 
he  warmly  espoused  the  cause  of  his  country.  When 
Middlesex  county  was  organized,  he  was  appointed  a 
Justice  of  the  Quorum,  and  afterwards  Judge  of  the 
County  Court.  He  died  August  29,  1802,  aged  89. 

Chauncey  Whittlesey  was  educated  at  Yale  College, 
studied  theology  and  licensed  to  preach,  but  relinquished 
the  ministry  as  his  profession  without  relinquishing  his 
attachment  to  the  gospel.  He  entered  into  mercantile 
concerns,  and  was  distinguished  for  correct  business 
habits.  In  1776  he  was  on  a  committee  "  to  procure 
and  purchase  such  articles  of  refreshment  and  clothing, 
as  should  be  directed  by  the  Governor  and  his  Council 
of  Safety,"  and  in  that  and  in  the  succeeding  year,  thou- 
sands of  dollars  were  expended  by  him  in  procuring  and 
purchasing  such  articles.  From  December  1797,  until 
August  1801,  he  was  collector  of  customs  for  the  port 
of  Middletown.  He  died  in  March  1812,  aged  65. 

Elijah  Hubbard,  in  May  1777  was  appointed  by  the 
Governor  and  Council  of  Safety  "  commissary  and 
superintendent  of  the  stores  provided  by  the  State,  for 
the  Continental  troops."  From  the  instructions  given 
him  for  the  collection  of  supplies,  the  drafts  upon  him 
for  them,  and  the  various  references  to  him  in  the  doings 
of  that  committee,  it  is  apparent  that  great  confidence 
was  reposed  in  him,  and  that  the  support  and  comfort 
of  the  soldiers  depended  much  upon  his  proceedings. 
He  was  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  for  the  last  six  years 
of  his  life  a  justice  of  the  Quorum.  He  died  suddenly 
at  Hartford,  while  attending  the  General  Assembly,  May 
30,  1808,  aged  62  ;  of  which  body  he  had  been  a  mem- 
ber in  more  than  thirty  sessions. 

John  Pratt,  a  native  of  Hartford,  entered  into  the 
army  at  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution,  and  rose 


90  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD* 

to  the  rank  of  captain.  He  served  his  country  through 
the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  through  the  Indian  war 
which  followed  and  which  raged  in  Ohio,  was  under  Gen. 
St.  Clair  and  Wayne,  sharing  hi  the  mortification  of 
the  former  from  defeat,  and  the  gratification  of  the  lat- 
ter from  victory.  Having  been  long  in  military  life  and 
further  services  from  him  being  less  needed,  he  resigned 
his  commission  near  the  close  of  1793.  He  settled  soon 
after  in  Middletown,  where  his  gentlemanly  manners,  his 
good  sense  and  integrity,  gained  the  affections  and  con- 
fidence of  the  people.  He  was  a  magistrate,  and  re- 
peatedly elected  Representative  to  the  Legislature,  some- 
times  by  the  votes  of  both  parties  in  politics.  He  died 
December  27, 1824,  aged  71. 

What  the  people  did  for  physicians  for  half  a  centu- 
ry, I  know  not  unless  those  who  had  the  cure  of  souls, 
undertook  to  cure  the  body,  which  ministers  did  then 
frequently.  Dr.  John  Cooper,  whose  name  is  honorably 
associated  with  medical  skill,  lived  here  about  1700. 
Dr.  John  Arnold  came  from  Haddam  some  thirty  years 
after,  and  lived  here  until  his  death  in  1754.  He  was 
probably  instructed  by  the  Rev.  Phineas  Fiske  of  that 
town,  who  was  an  eminent  physician  as  well  as  divine. 
Before  his  death  Dr.  Abijah  Moores  was  here,  who  died 
in  1759.  Contemporary  with  these  two  men,  and  sur- 
viving them,  was  Dr.  Eliot  Rawson,  a  direct  descendant 
of  the  celebrated  Edward  Rawson,  long  Secretary  of  the 
Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts.  Contemporary  with 
the  two  physicians  last  mentioned  for  a  while,  though 
dying  sooner  than  the  latter,  was  Dr.  John  Osborne. — 
Medical  authority  pronounces  him  "  a  very  respectable 
physician."*  He  ranked  higher  as  a  scholar  than  most 

*  Thatcher's  Medical  Biography,  pp.  413,  14. 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  91 

of  the  literary  men  of  his  day,  and  was  also  a  poet. 
When  in  College  at  Cambridge  he  was  distinguished  for 
mathematical  investigations,  and  for  his  Latin  verses. 
One  of  the  professors  pronounced  his  hexameters  truly 
Virgilian.  Before  he  was  graduated  in  1737,  he  wrote 
an  elegy  on  the  death  of  a  young  sister,  and  addressed 
it  to  an  elder  one.  It  was  written  in  the  Spring  of  the 
year,  and  he  begins  by  describing  with  great  beauty  the 
charms  of  the  season,  and  then  addresses  his  bereaved 
and  sympathizing  relative ; 

"  But,  Sister,  all  the  sweets  that  grace 
The  Spring,  and  blooming  nature's  face, 
The  chirping  birds, 
Nor  lowing  herds, 
The  woody  hills, 
Nor  muniuring  rills, 
The  Sylvan  shades, 
Nor  flowering  meads 
To  me  their  former  joys  dispense, 

Tho'  all  their  pleasures  court  my  sense, 
But  melancholy  damps  my  mind  ; 

I  lonely  walk  the  field 
With  inward  sorrow  filled, 

And  sigh  to  every  breathing  wind. 
I  mourn  our  tender  Sister's  death 
In  various  plaintive  sounds, 
While  hills  above,  and  vales  beneath 
Their  faultermg  note  rebounds. 
Perhaps  when  in  the  pains  of  death 
She  gasp'd  her  latest  breath, 
You  saw  our  pensive  friends  around 
With  tears  bedew  the  ground  ; 
Our  loving  father  stand, 
8 


92  ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FIELD. 

And  press  her  trembling  band, 
And  gently  cry,  my  child  adien, 
We  all  must  follow  you. 

After  Mr.  Osborne  was  graduated  ,  he  was  offered  a 
tutorship  in  Harvard  College,  but  declined  the  honor. 
About  this  time  residing  at  his  father's  house  in  East- 
ham,  Mass.,  and  in  the  midst  of  companions  accustomed 
to  a  sea-faring  life,  he  wrote  his  Whaling  Song,  which  is 
as  sportive,  as  the  elegy,  from  which  we  have  quoted,  is 
plaintive.  It  has  been  sung  with  rapture  by  our  hardy 
adventurous  whalemen  in  all  latitudes,  whither  they  have 
gone  to  harpoon  the  monsters  of  the  deep.  Besides 
these  poetic  effusions,  there  are  a  few  stanzas,  which  our 
author  wrote  upon  his  death  bed,  which  are  religious,  ex- 
pressing his  resignation  to  death,  and  anticipations  of 
heaven. 

Dr.  Osborne  died  May  31,  1753,  aged  40,  leaving  a 
widow  and  six  children. 

Dr.  John  Osborne,  son  of  the  preceding,  studied  medi- 
cine at  Hartford,  under  Dr.  Morrison,  an  eminent  physi- 
cian from  Scotland,  and  in  1758,  before  he  had  attained 
his  majority,  he  went  with  the  army  that  attacked  Ticon- 
deroga  in  the  second  French  war,  and  in  a  subordinate 
capacity  was  in  the  medical  department  of  the  Provin- 
cial troops."  He  practised  in  this  place  more  than  sixty 
years,  about  as  long  a  space  as  was  occupied  by  all  his 
predecessors,  if  we  except  Dr.  Rawson.  He  was  a  man 
of  very  extensive  reading,  and  for  many  years  possessed 
the  best  medical  library  in  the  State.  His  knowledge  of 
the  materia  medica  was  accurate  and  extensive,  and  he 
excelled  in  chemistry.  He  exerted  himself  greatly  to 
remove  the  prejudices  against  inoculation  for  the  small- 
pox ,  and  to  improve  the  treatment  of  that  distressing 
dise  ase.  About  one  thousand  and  two  hundred  persons 


ADDRESS    OF   DR.    FIELD.  93 

were  inoculated  here  in  the  winter  1777  and  '78.  He 
was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  medical  Society  of  the 
State,  and  gave  instruction  to  students  in  medicine.  As 
a  practitioner  he  was  eminent.  He  appreciated  the 
worth  of  well-bred  and  faithful  physicians,  but  held 
quackery  in  the  utmost  abhorrence.  He  had  great  sen- 
sibility, quick  apprehension  and  strong  passions  ;  he 
spoke  his  mind  fearlessly  when  and  where  he  pleased, 
and  it  was  not  safe  for  any  to  attack  him  in  words,  for 
none  better  understood  the  retort  keen.  The  numerous 
anecdotes  still  circulating  respecting  .him,  when  well 
told,  present  him  directly  before  our  eye?,  and  yet  his 
heart  was  not  a  stranger  to  kind  emotions.  Among  his 
patients  were  the  poor  and  unfortunate,  and  to  these  he 
was  merciful.^  He  died  in  the  summer  of  1825,  aged 
eighty-three. 

Dr.  John  Dickinson,  son  of  Rev.  Moses  Dickinson  of 
Norwalk,  was  a  well  informed  physician.  He  began  to 
practice  in  Wallingford,  but  removed  to  this  town  upon 
an  invitation  from  the  selectmen,  and  was  here  liberally 
patronized,  and  repeatedly  sent  a  Representative  tj  the 
Legislature  in  the  time  of  the  Revolution.  Soon  after 
that  period  he  declined  professional  business,  but  acted 
as  a  magistrate  and  influential  man  in  the  town.  In 
1793  he  was  appointed  a  Judge  of  Probate,  and  in  1796 
Judge  of  the  County  Court,  both  which  offices  he  held 
until  1807.  He  died  in  1811,  aged  eighty-two. 

It  sometimes  occurs,  that  superior  talents  are  found  hi 
the  same  family  through  several  successive  generations. 
Two  physicians  by  the  name  of  Osborne,  father  and  son 
have  been  described.  The  latter  had  four  sons  who 
were  all  literary  men,  John  Chevers  and  Samuel  Osborne 
physicians,  and  Joseph  and  William  Franklin  Osborne, 
merchants, 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 


Dr.  John  C.  Osborne,  received  his  classical  education 
under  that  eminent  teacher,  Rev.  Enoch  Huntington,  and 
his  medical  education  exclusively  under  his  father.  He 
began  practice  in  Newbern,  N.  C.,  in  1787,  and  con- 
tinued there  twenty  years.  He  was  well  known  as  a 
successful  practitioner,  and  was  repeatedly  placed  at  the 
head  of  the  Medical  Society  of  that  district.  From 
Newbern  he  removed  to  New  York,  and  was  soon  after 
introduced  to  a  large  practice  ;  was  created  professor  of 
the  Institutes  of  medicine,  in  the  Medical  Faculty  of 
Columbia  College,  and  upon  the  union  of  that  faculty 
with  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  was  again 
appointed  to  a  professorship.  He  died  of  pulmonary 
consumption  in  the  island  of  St.  Croix,  upon  the  day  of 
his  landing,  March  5th,  1819.  o 

Dr.  Thatcher,  to  whom  I  «m  indebted  for  these  facts, 
observes  further  concerning  him  : 

"  With  his  professional  erudition  Dr.  Osborn  united 
great  literary  acquirements,  and  his  knowledge  of  books 
Avas  varied  and  extensive.  These  acquisitions  he  often 
displayed  in  his  course  of  public  instruction.  His  view 
of  the  materia  medica  as  a  science,  was  equalled  by  few, 
and  his  knowledge  of  the  actual  medical  qualities  of  the 
native  productions  of  our  soil,  was  a  subject  which  he 
delighted  to  investigate,  and  in  his  practice,  and  by  his 
instructions,  he  earnestly  enjoined  an  acquaintance  with 
these  important  medical  agents." 

"  Dr  Osborne  was  a  man  of  much  more  science  and 
eminence  in  his  profession,  than  either  his  father  or  his 
grandfather,  and  possessed  a  very  fine  taste  for  poetry, 
Belles-letters  and  painting.  While  quite  a  young  man> 
Mr.  Barlow  submitted  to  him  and  his  friend,  the  late- 
Richard  Alsop  Esq.,  the  manuscript  of  the  "  Vision  of 
Columbus,"  for  their  correction  and  revision,  previous  to 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  (J;j 

its  publication.  His  taste  in  painting  was  highly  culti- 
vated, and  he  might  have  attained  to  great  eminence  as 
an  artist."* 

Dr.  Samuel  Osborne,  was  a  physician  of  quite  respec- 
table standing,  first  in  Brooklyn,  and  then  in  New  York 
city 

Joseph  Osborne  and  William  Franklin  Osborne,  both 
were  endowed  with  poetic  talents. 

I  have  seen  three  pieces  of  the  former.     Two  of  them 
were  written  to  be  spoken  by  lads   at  an  exhibition  fol- 
lowing the  examination  of  a  school,  one  at  the  beginning 
and  the  other  at  the  close,  at  which  parents  were  expect- 
ed to  be  present.     They  express  finely  the  feelings  of 
children  and  parents  on  such  occasions.     The  third  piece 
is  a  paraphrase  on  the  third  chapter  of  the  Epistle  of 
James.     As  a  specimen  of  this,  take  the  first  stanza  : 
"  Him  mayest  thou  deem  a  perfect  man,  whose  word, 
To  give  offence  or  pain  was  never  heard : 
Who  rules  his  tongue;  is  master  of  the  art, 
To  rule  his  passions  and  control  his  heart." 

A  number  of  deceased  physicians,  besides  those  al- 
ready mentioned,  practised  here.  But  most  of  these  died 
so  recently  that  they  are  still  remembered,  and  we  have 
not  time  now  to  speak  of  them  particularly. 

Dr.  Nathaniel  Little  resided  in  the  Upper  Houses 
from  1742  to  1746  ;  who,  after  the  latter  date  is  sup- 
posed to  have  removed  to  Lebanon.  Of  his  practice  and 
skill  nothing  is  known. 

Between  1757  and  the  close  of  the  last  century,  Dr. 
Aaron  Roberts,  and  four  or  five  other  physicians,  practis- 
ed in  the  Upper  Houses  for  shorter  or  longer  periods.  ^ 

Dr.  Asher  Ward,  a  native  of  the  parish,  practised  in 

*  Thatcher's  Medical  Biography. 
*  8 


96  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD1. 

Middlefield,  probably  some  eight  or  ten  years,  and  died 
there  in  1788.  Dr.  Jehiel  Hoadley,  after  a  much  longer 
practice,  died  there  in  1810.  About  1785,  Dr.  Josiali 
Hatch  practised  for  a  short  time  in  Westfield.  He  af- 
terwards practised  in  New  Hartford,  but  spent  the  lat- 
ter part  of  his  life  in  Grandville,  Miss.,  where  he  died 
in  August,  1834,  aged  80. 

It  is  probable  that  the  settlers  in  Portland  employed 
physicians  from  this  side  the  river,  for  more  than  thirty 
years.  The  Rev.  Moses  Bartlett,  who  was  settled  there 
in  1733,  and  died  in  1766,  was  a  physician  ;  as  was  also 
a  son  of  his  who  bore  his  name,  and  lived  until  1810. 
The  former  studied  both  theology  and  medicine,  with 
Rev.  Phineas  Fiske  of  Haddam,  his  father  in-law  ;  and 
the  latter,  with  Dr.  Benjamin  Gale  of  Killingworth, 
now  Clinton.  Contemporary  with  this  physician  fov 
some  years,  was  Dr.  Thomas  Wells,  and  also  Dr.  Elisha 
Phelps. 

Dr.  Joshua  Arnold,  brother  of  Dr.  John  Arnold,  and 
probably  instructed  by  Mr.  Fiske,  was  a  physician  in 
Middle  Haddam  at  an  early  period,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Jeremiah  Bradford  and  Arnos  Skcelo. 

Dr.  Robert  Usher  was  a  native  of  Millingtou,  in  East 
Haddam,  and  a  student  of  Dr.  Huntington  of  Windham. 
He  settled  in  that  part  of  Chatham  which  was  attached 
to  the  parish  of  Westchester,  in  1762.  Upon  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  Revolution,  he  went  as  a  volunteer  to  the 
vicinity  of  Boston,  and  in  Jan.,  1776,  "was  appointed 
surgeon,  &c.,  for  Wadsworth's  regiment,  in  the  recruits 
(then)  raised  for  Cambridge,"  and  served  some  time  in 
in  that  capacity.  He  died  in  1820,  in  his  77th  year. 

Titus  Hosmer,  Esq.,  has  Leen  mentioned,  and  more 
must  be  said  of  him.  While  in  Yale  College,  he  was 
distinguished  for  the  acquisition  of  science,  excelled  in 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  97 

the  languages,  and  in  fine  writing.     Being  graduated  in 
1757,  lie  probably  settled  here  about  1760. 

By  nature  he  had  the  genius  of  a  poet,  and  there  is 
said  to  be  a  hymn  in  existence  composed  by  him.  He 
encouraged  Barlow  to  write  the  Vision  of  Columbus,  as 
Barlow  gratefully  acknowledges  in  an  elegy  addressed  to 
his  widow. 

"  Come  to  my  soul,  0  shade  of  Hosmer,  come, 
Tho'  doubting  senates  ask  thy  aid  in  vain  • 
Attend  the  drooping  virtues  round  thy  tomb, 
And  hear  awhile  the  orphan'd  muse  complain. 

The  man  which  thy  indulgence  bade  aspire, 
And  dare  pursue  thy  distant  steps  to  fame, 

At  thy  command  she  first  assumed  the  lyre, 
And  hop'd  a  future  laurel  from  thy  name. 

How  did  thy  smiles  awake  her  infant  song  1 

How  did  thy  virtues  animate  the  lay ! 
Still  shall  thy  fate  the  dying  strain  prolong, 

And  bear  her  voice  with -thy  lost  form  away." 

In  the  subsequent  part  of  the  elegy,  Barlow  sympa- 
thizes with  the  large,  and  greatly  afflicted  family,  and 
extols  the  excellencies  of  his  friend. 

The  profession  which  Mr.  Hosmer  chose,  led  him  to 
cultivate  the  powers  of  the  understanding,  rather  than  the 
imagination ;  and  in'  this  profession,  faithfulness  to  his 
clients  and  strong  powers  of  reasoning,  soon  raised  him 
into  esteem  with  the  bar  and  the  court ;  and  secured  him 
not  only  much  professional  business,  but  civil  offices  of 
honor  and  importance.  Besides  the  common  town  offi- 
ces and  the  commission  of  the  peace  which  he  held,  he 
was  elected  a  Representative  to  the  General  Assembly, 
from  October,  1773,  constantly  until  May  1778,  when 


98  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

lie  was  elected  an  assistant,  and  thus  annually  until  1780, 
the  year  of  his  death.  In  1777,  he  was  speaker  of  the 
house  of  representatives,  and  had  great  influence  in 
prompting  the  Legislature  to  the  adoption  of  vigorous 
measures  against  Great  Britain.  During  a  part  of  the 
war  of  the  Revolution,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Council 
of  safety,  and  in  1778,  hesides  being  an  assistant  in  the 
State  Legislature,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Continental 
Congress.  In  January,  1780,  when  the  plan  wa-  ma- 
tured by  Congress,  for  establishing  a  Court  of  Appeals, 
principally  for  the  revision  of  maritime  and  admiralty 
cases  in  the  United  States,  he  was  elected  one  of  the 
three  judges.  There  seems  to  have  been  an  undert-tand- 
ing,  that  one  of  the  judges  should  be  elected  from  a 
southern,  one  from  a  middle,  and  one  from  an  eastern 
section  of  the  country.  Seven  men  were  put  in  nomina- 
tion for  election,  and  when  the  votes  were  cast,  George 
Wythe  of  Virginia,  William  Paca  of  Maryland,  and 
Titus  Hosnicr  of  Connecticut,  were  chosen.  Mr.  Wythe 
declined  the  appointment,  Mr.  Paca  and  Mr.  II 
accepted.  But  on  the  duties  of  this  appointment  Mr. 
Hosmer  was  not  permitted  to  enter,  dying  suddenly, 
August  4th,  1780,  aged  44. 

His  person  was  above  the  common  size,  and  his  coun- 
tenance expressive.  His  passions  were  naturally  <juick 
and  strong,  but  kept  under  discipline.  Fond  of  conver- 
sation, and  extensively  acquainted  with  men  and  books, 
he  often  entertained  at  his  house  a  group  of  friends  who 
courted  his  society.  In  deliberative  bodies  he  was  al- 
ways heard  with  that  attention  and  pleasure,  which  are 
secured  by  lucid  and  manly  argumentation,  connected 
with  probity  and  patriotism.  He  was,  in  one  word,  a 
gentleman  of  correct  moral  habits,  a  thorough  scholar,  a 
learned  and  eloquent  lawyer,  and  a  sound  practical  states- 


ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD*  99 

man ;  deeply  versed  in  national  law  and  universal  histo- 
ry. An  obituary  notice  of  him  in  the  Connecticut  Cour- 
ant,  says,  that  he  was  endowed  with  a  natural  genius  and 
capacity  of  uncommon  magnitude,  which,  cultivated  by 
the  best  and  most  liberal  education,  and  continually  im^ 
proving,  shone  with  remarkable  lustre,  and  made  him 
eminently  useful  in  every  department  of  life.  Such 
abilities  and  improvements,  joined  with  the  most  polish- 
'ed  and  engaging  manners,  formed  him,  in  a  rare  degree? 
for  influence  and  service  among  mankind.  He  is  also 
styled  in  this  notice,  "  the  gentleman,  the  scholar,  the 
friend,  the  patriot,  the  judge,  the  benefactor." 

The  celebrated  Dr.  Noah  Webster  regarded  him  as 
one  of  the  greatest  men  Connecticut  ever  produced.  He 
numbered  him  among  the  three  "  mighties,"  :  and  these 
three  he  designated  as  William  Samuel  Johnson,  L.L.  D. 
of  Stratford,  Oliver  Ellsworth  of  Windsor,  Chief  Jus- 
tice of  the  United  States,  and  the  Hon.  Titus  Hosrner 
of  Middletown. 

Mr.  Samuel  Whittlesey  Dana,  son  of  Rev.  James 
Dana,  D.D.  of  Wallingford,  afterwards  of  New  Haven, 
was  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1775,  and  soon  after 
came  to  this  town.  Having  prepared  himself  for  his 
profession,  he  opened  a  law  office.  He  had  popular  tal- 
ents, and  his  appearance  at  the  bar  was  admired,  and  had 
he  devotedjiimself  entirely  to  his  profession,  he  would 
probably  have  commanded  a  large  amount  of  practice. 
By  military  promotions  he  was  advanced  to  the  command 
of  a  brigade.  But  his  friends  early  sought  to  bring  him 
fonvard  into  political  employments,  first  by  electing  him 
a  representative  to  the  State  Legislature,  and  then  to  the 
Councils  of  the  nation,  so  that  for  a  course  of  years  he 
acted  rather  as  a  statesman  than  a  lawyer,  being  either 
a  representative  or  a  senator  in  Congress  through  a  part 


100  ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD. 

of  the  administration  of  Washington,  through  the  whole 
of  the  administration  of  Adams,  Jefferson  and  Madison, 
and  a  portion  of  that  of  Monroe.  During  this  period, 
subjects  of  great  difficulty  and  embarrassment  came  be- 
fore the  National  Legislature,  concerning  which  very  dif- 
ferent opinions  were  formed.  General  Dana,  though 
frank  in  expressing  his  own  views,  conducted  himself  in 
such  a  manner  that  he  retained  the  respect  of  both  par- 
ties, as  well  as  of  his  constituents.  In  the  latter  part  of 
his  life  he  was  several  years  mayor  of  the  city  of  Mid- 
dletown  :  he  also  accepted  the  office  of  presiding  Judge 
of  the  County  Court,  which  he  held  until  his  death  in 
July,  1830. 

Mr.  Asher  Miller,  a  native  of  the  parish  of  Middle- 
field,  belonged  to  a  class  in  Yale  College,  which  was 
graduated  in  1778,  and  has  always  been  admired  for  the 
amount  of  talent  which  it  contained.  He  ranked  well 
in  this  class,  and  after  he  left  college,  made  himself  ac- 
quainted with  geology,  mineralogy  and  chemistry,  much 
beyond  scholars  generally  who  lived  at  that  time.  He  be- 
came a  lawyer,  and  the  people  here  esteemed  and  honored 
him.  Though  it  is  not  likely  that  he  began  to  practice 
law  before  1780,  yet  in  1785  he  was  elected  a  representa- 
tive to  the  Legislature  and  repeatedly  afterwards,  and 
the  Legislature  so  esteemed  him  for  his  knowledge  of  law 
and  integrity,  that  in  1793  they  appointed  him  a  judge 
of  the  Superior  Court.  He  resigned  his  seat  in  1795. 
Sometime  after  he  went  to  the  South,  to  survey  a  tract  of 
wild  land  about  the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo  river,  for  a  com- 
pany who  were  hoping  out  of  those  lands  to  realize  a  for- 
tune. He  was  again  elected  a  representative  to  the 
Legislature,  was  long  an  assistant  and  many  years  pre- 
siding judge  of  the  county  court,  and  judge  of  probate. 
Upon  the  death  of  Col.  Hamlin  in  1791,  he  was  elected 


ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD.  101 

mayor  of  the  city,  and  held  this  office,  with  the  two  offi- 
ces just  mentioned,  until  his  death,  December  24th,  1821. 
Two  sons  of  the  Hon.  Titus  Hosmer  became  lawyers, 
Stephen  Titus  Hosmer  and  Hezekiah  Lord  Hosmer. 
The  former  entered  Yale  College,  and  pursued  his  stud- 
ies there,  until  the  supension  of  the  regular  operations  of 
the  College  in  the  Revolution,  after  which  he  completed 
his  collegiate  course  under  Dr.  Dwight,  and  his  name  is 
enrolled  in  the  class  he  entered,  which  was  graduated  in 
1782.  He  studied  law  with  the  Hon.  William  Samuel 
Johnson,  and  the  Hon.  Oliver  Ellsworth,  his  guardian, 
and  about  1785  commenced  practice  in  this  place.  Left 
without  patrimony,  he  was  thrown  upon  his  own  efforts 
for  support  and  fame,  and  by  the  steady  exertion  of  his 
talents  he  soon  secured  a  very  large  practice  ;  larger  it 
is  believed  than  any  lawyer  who  has  lived  in  this  county, 
and  which  he  retained  until  he  was  appointed  a  judge  of 
the  Superior  Court  in  1815.  His  custom  was  to  read 
the  books  connected  with  his  profession  with  such  fixed 
attention,  and  so  repeatedly,  page  by  page,  that  the  con- 
tents became  indelibly  fixed  upon  his  memory,  and  he 
could  call  up  at  will  nearly  all  the  reports  of  cases  in 
support  of  any  point,  without  referring  to  his  books. 
By  this  means  he  acquired  a  wonderful  memory,  which 
was  of  great  service  in  his  judicial  labors.  His  briefs 
were  prepared  with  very  great  attention,  the  points  clear- 
ly stated,  and  cases  numerously  cited.  His  habits  were 
exceedingly  regular,  each  week  day  being  devoted  to  the 
study  of  law,  interrupted  only  by  the  hour's  walk  which 
he  daily  took,  and  each  evening  devoted  to  general  read- 
ing ;  for  which  enjoyment  he  had  the  means  in  a  large 
library,  containing  among  other  books,  many  on  the- 
ology, which  he  loved  to  peruse.  He  was  also  ex- 
ceedingly fond  of  music,  which  he  studied  scientifically, 


102  ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD. 

and  for  many  years  in  the  earlier  period  of  his  life,  he 
was  a  very  skilful  and  acceptable  leader  of  sacred  mu- 
sic in  the  sanctuary  of  God.  Among  other  honors  con- 
ferred upon  him  by  his  fellow  citizens,  he  was  repeatedly 
elected  into  the  Council  of  the  State.  In  testimony  of 
his  great  attainments  and  high  standing,  the  Corporation 
of  Yale  College  some  years  before  his  death,  gave  him 
the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws. 

In  1815,  when  he  was  first  appointed  judge,  the  Su- 
perior Court  consisted  of  nine  judges,  a  chief  judge  and 
eight  associate  judges,  and  thus  remained  until  the  adop- 
tion of  the  present  constitution  in  1819,  though  several 
changes  occurred  among  the  associate  judges.  The 
Court  was  then  constituted  of  five  judges  ;  Mr.  Hosmer 
was  appointed  chief  justice,  and  three  of  the  former 
judges  and  one  new  judge  were  appointed  his  associates. 
In  this  elevated  situation  he  continued  until  January 
10th,  1833,  when  arriving  at  the  age  of  seventy,  his 
term  ceased  by  a  provision  of  the  constitution.  He  died 
in  Middletown,  August  6th,  1834,  and  the  following 
obituary  notice  was  issued  the  next  week,  in  the  New 
England  Advocate  then  published  in  this  city.  This  is 
given  entire,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  sentences,  con- 
taining facts  already  stated. 

'*  The  observances  at  his  interment  by  the  public  author- 
ities and  institutions  of  the  place,  and  the  citizens  gen- 
erally, evince  the  universal  estimation  of  his  worth." 

A  particular  notice  of  the  character  of  those  who  have 
become  distinguished  for  superior  talents,  virtues  or  ser- 
vices, affords  a  rational  gratification  to  their  surviving 
relatives  and  friends — is  just  to  their  memory — and  cal- 
culated to  be  useful  by  inciting  to  the  performance  of 
duty. 

To  none  is  such  a  tribute  more  especially  due,  than  to 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  108 

the  subject  of  these  remarks.  The  country  at  large, 
during  the  long  course  of  years,  which  Judge  Hosmer 
has  occupied  a  seat  upon  the  bench,  have  had  a  full  op- 
portunity to  observe  the  exhibition  of  that  extraordinary 
legal  learning  and  purity  which  are  evinced  by  his  repor- 
ted judgments  and  opinions ;  and  it  is  not  too  much  to 
say,  that  they  have  placed  his  name  in  the  rank  of  our 
most  distinguished  and  respected  jurists.  So  far  as  the 
opinions  of  intelligent  judicial  tribunals  and  officers,  are 
respected  in  other  states  than  those  in  which  they  are 
pronounced,  no  judge  has  left  higher  claims  than  Judge 
Hosmer  to  the  gratitude  of  those  engaged  in  judicial 
pursuits  or  studies,  out  of  this  State.  Following  the  ex- 
ample of  several  most  illustrious  judges  of  our  country, 
particularly  Parsons  and  Kent,  it  was  not  unfrequently 
the  case  that  his  opinion  contained,  not  only  the  reasons 
for  the  judgment  given  in  the  particular  case  before  him, 
but  a  collection  of  the  leading  cases  on  the  subject  gen- 
erally, and  a  concise  and  lucid  epitome  of  the  law  as  in- 
volved in  them.  By  this  means,  although  a  great  por- 
tion of  the  opinion  would  not,  perhaps,  be  deemed  au- 
thoritative, the  reader  was  furnished  with  an  abstract 
of  the  leading  principles  applicable  to  the  subject  in  one 
connection,  and  at  the  same  time,  the  deliberate  views  of 
an  able  jurist,  entertained  after  consultation  with  his  fel- 
low judges.  What  ever  prejudice  may  exist  in  the  minds 
of  some  against  the  expression  of  the  opinions  of  Courts, 
on  points  other  than  those  necessarily  involved  in  the 
case  before  them,  it  is  believed  that  on  the  whole,  the 
benefits  of  that  course  far  exceed  its  disadvantages. 
The  opinions  pronounced  by  Judge  Hosmer,  of  this  de- 
scription, are  most  full  and  precise,  prepared  with  much 
care — expressed  with  great  perspicuity  and  force — and 
arranged  with  entire  method  j  and  they  constitute  so 
9 


104  ADDRESS    OF   DR.    FIELD. 

many  valuable  elementary  treatises,  so  to  speak,  for  the 
instruction  of  the  judge,  practitioner  and  student. 

Such  are  some  of  the  benefits,  which  the  country  at 
large  have  derived  from  the  public  services  of  Judge 
Hosmer.  In  addition  to  these,  his  native  State  has  be- 
held in  him  for  the  eighteen  years  in  which  he  has  been 
a  member  of  her  highest  judicial  tribunal,  and  of  which 
he  was  the  Chief  Justice  for  fourteen  years,  the  model 
of  that  industry,  punctuality,  urbanity,  impartiality, 
dignity  and  patience,  which,  united  to  extensive  legal 
acquirements  and  sound  judgment,  constitute  a  perfect 
judge.  The  progress  of  public  business  was  never 
checked  by  his  absence,  nor  retarded  by  his  remissness. 
He  accorded  to  all  the  most  punctilious  courtesy,  and 
was  not  only  willing,  but  anxious  to  listen  to  all  that 
could  be  suggested  with  propriety  on  the  subject  under 
discussion :  while  he  ever  maintained  the  dignity  and 
honor  of  the  Court,  by  exacting  a  proper  regard  to  its 
honor  and  rights  in  the  intercourse  between  the  Court 
and  its  attendants,  and  of  the  members  of  the  bar  among 
each  other.  And  it  was  always  evident,  that  no  person- 
al, sinister,  or  calculating  motive  swayed  his  judgment. 
•  His  life  was  almost  exclusively  devoted  to  study.  He 
preferred  the  pleasures  of  reading,  to  those  of  society. 
But  his  studies  were  by  no  means  confined  to  his  profes- 
sion. His  attainments  in  theology,  history  and  general 
literature  were  very  extensive,  as  his  conversation  and 
fugitive  writings  evinced.  .  And  it  cannot  be  unknown  to 
many,  that  he  had  a  fine  taste,  and  an  enthusiastic  fond- 
ness for  music. 

His  habits  of  exercise  and  study,  were  most  regular 
and  exact,  for  a  great  many  of  the  late  years  of  his  life ; 
and  even  after  his  retirement  from  the  bench,  until  reduc- 
ed and  enfeebled  by  his  last  illness,  he  devoted  daily, 


ADDRESS  OF   DR.  FIELD.  105 

stated  portions  of  his  time  to  exercise  and  to  study. 
Until  his  last  illness  prevented  him  from  taking  his  usu- 
al walks,  we  never  felt  the  full  force  of  that  beautiful 
line  of  Gray, 

"One  inorn  I  miss'd  him  on  th'  accustom'd  hill." 

To  his  unvarying  habit  of  morning,  noon  and  evening 
exercise,  he  attributed  the  preservation  of  his  health, 
which  was  never  seriously,  and  but  seldom  slightly  dis- 
ordered. 

His  temperament  was  ardent,  but  his  disposition  most 
friendly  and  forgiving.  Every  object  of  philanthropy, 
and  every  case  of  suffering  or  want,  immediately  excited 
his  sympathy  and  aid.  And  among  the  excellent  traits  of 
his  character,  one  of  the  most  striking  was  his  readiness 
at  all  times  to  render  service,  by  his  advice  and  investi- 
gation, to  the  younger  members  of  the  legal  profession, 
who  applied  to  him  for  assistance.  His  eager  thirst  for 
the  improvement  of  himself  and  others,  led  him  at  once 
to  examine  every  subject  on  which  he  was  consulted,  and 
freely  to  communicate  the  result  of  his  thoughts  and 
enquiries.  His  personal  appearance  was  commanding, 
his  deportment  dignified,  his  manners  affable,  and  his 
elocution  polished  and  graceful.  At  the  age  of  forty- 
three,  he  publicly  united  himself  to  the  church,  and 
adorned  his  religious  profession  by  the  life  and  conversa- 
tion of  a  Christian." 

Connecticut  has  gained  celebrity  from  the  number 
of  literary  and  distinguished  men,  whom  she  has  raised 
up  and  sent  forth  into  different  parts  of  the  country, 
many  of  whom  have  held  seats  in  the  National  Legisla- 
ture, and  others  important  offices  under  the  General  Gov- 
ernment or  in  the  States.  In  this  good  work  Middle- 
town  has  had  a  share.  The  Hon.  Josiah  Meigs  has  been 
mentioned.  In  the  same  class  to  which  he  and  Judge 


ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD. 

Miller  belonged,  were  Ezekiel  Gilbert  of  this  town,  and 
Ebenezer  Sage  of  Portland.  The  former  became  a  law- 
yer, settled  in  Hudson,  N.  Y.,  and  was  a  member  of 
Congress  ;  the  latter  became  a  physician,  settled  in  Sag 
Harbor,  L.  I.,  was  a  literary  and  political  man,  and  also 
a  member  of  Congress.  .  Hezekiah  Lord  Hosmer  was  a 
lawyer  in  Hudson,  and  succeeded  Mr.  Gilbert  in  the  Na- 
tional Councils.  In  the  class  of  1785,  at  Yale  College, 
were  John  Dean  Dickinson,  son  of  Dr.  John  Dickinson, 
Return  Jonathan  Meigs,  jr.,  and  Phineas  Miller,  all  na- 
tives of  this  town.  Mr.  Dickinson  settled  in  Troy,  N. 
Y.,  and  was  a  member  of  Congress.  Mr.  Meigs  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  this  place,  and  was  a  lawyer  in 
Marietta,  Ohio;  chief  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  in 
that  State,  and  also  governor ;  a  senator  in  Congress, 
and  besides  other  honors  conferred  upon  him  by  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  country,  post-master  general  of  the 
United  States.*  Mr.  Miller  was  a  literary  and  polish- 
ed man,  a  co-partner  of  Eli  Whitney  in  the  cotton-gin, 
a  judge  in  one  of  the  counties  of  Georgia,  and  a  member 
of  the  State  Senate. 

Silas  Stow,  a  native  of  this  town,  and  a  lawyer  here 
about  1795,  moved  to  Lowville,  N.  Y.,  and  was  a  mem- 
ber of  Congress.  He  died  January  19th,  1827,  aged  53. 
At  a  later  period,  Henry  Randolph  Storrs  moved  from 
this  place  to  Utica,  N.  Y.,  practiced  law,  and  was  sent 
a  Representative  to  the  National  Legislature. 

Among  the  distinguished  natives  of  Portland,  besides 
Dr.  Sage,  Asahel  Hooker  Strong,  son  of  Rev.  Dr, 
Strong,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Shepherd,  may  be  men- 
tioned. Mr.  Strong  ranked  among  the  very  first 
scholars  in  his  class,  was  a  good  special  pleader  at 

*  See  Howe's  Historical  Collections  of  Ohio,  p.  51K 


ADDRESS   OF    DR.    FIELD.  107 

the  bar,  and  had  ho  lived,  would  have  been  worthy  of  a 
seat  on  the  bench  of  the  Superior  Court.  Dr.  Shepherd 
has  recently  died,  and  his  talents,  standing,  influence 
and  usefulness  in  the  ministry  are  well  known. 

The  Rev.  James  Brainerd  Taylor,  was  a  native  of 
Chatham,  and  it  may  be  stated  in  this  connection,  that 
one  of  the  physicians  of  this  town,  though  not  a  native 
of  it,  was  some  years  since  elected  a  Representative  to 
Congress  from  another  part  of  this  State,  the  late  Samuel 
Simons,  M.  D.?  of  Bridgeport. 

The  younger  Richard  Alsop,  Esq.,  has  been  incident- 
ally mentioned  as  called  upon  by  Mr.  Barlow,  to  exam- 
ine the  manuscript  of  his  Vision  of  Columbus.  Though 
occasionally  engaged  in  agricultural  and  commercial 
concerns,  Mr.  Alsop  spent  most  of  his  days  in  the  pur- 
suit of  elegant  literature  :  for  which  he  had  an  unusual 
fondness.  He  was  an  adept  in  the  classical  literature  of 
England,  and  familiar  with  the  French,  Spanish  and 
Italian  languages.  His  love  of  poetry  was  enthusiastic, 
and  was  abundantly  gratified  by  reading  and  composi- 
tion.. Numerous  poetical  pieces,  published  in  newspa- 
pers and  magazines,  and  others  issued  in  different  forms, 
were  well  received,  and  did  honor  to  his  genius.  Other 
works  gave  him  a  respectable  standing  as  a  prose  writer. 
These  writings  have  been  many  years  before  the  public, 
and  his  character  is  well  known .  They  are  all  character  • 
ized  by  purity  of  expression,  and  indicate  that  delicacy 
of  thought  and  feeling  which  appeared  in  his  private  life. 
He  died  suddenly  at  Flatbusb,  L.  I.,  on  the  16th  of  Au- 
gust, 1816,  in  the  fifty -sixth  year  of  -his  age. 

John  Alsop,  tho  youngest  brother  of  Richard,  practic- 
ed law  for  a  short  time  in  New  London,  was  then  for  a 
short  time  a  bookseller  in  Hartford,  and  afterwards  for 
a  longer  period  in  New  York.  The  latter  part  of  his 


108  ADDRESS    OF     DR.    FIELD. 

life  was  spent  in  Middletown,  where  he  died  in  1841. 
He  was  a  literary  man,  and  wrote  various  pieces  of  poe- 
try for  his  own  gratification  and  not  for  the  public  eye. 
The  editor  of  the  work,  styled  "  Poets  of  Connecticut," 
observes  concerning  him  :  "  The  writings  of  the  young- 
er Alsop,  although  less  melodious  than  those  of  his 
brother,  are  yet  characterized  by  so  much  vigor  of 
thought  and  justness  of  taste,  as  to  warrant  the  belief, 
that  had  he  prepared  them  for  publication,  they  would 
have  proved  fully  competent  to  sustain  undiminished  the 
poetical  honors  of  his  name." 

John  G.  C.  Brainerd,  who  resided  here  as  a  lawyer, 
for  a  short  time,  was  a  universal  favorite,  so  sweet  was 
his  temper,  so  correct  his  taste,  and  so  interesting  his 
conversation.  His  fame  arose  especially  from  his  be- 
coming afterwards  the  editor  of  the  "  Connecticut  Mir- 
ror" at  Hartford,  and  issuing  in  that  periodical  short 
pieces  of  prose  and  poetry.  His  conversion  and  his 
profession  of  religion  were  both  remarkable,  and  when 
he  came  to  die,  faith  in  Christ  turned  the  shadows  of 
death  into  the  light  of  the  morning. 

Arrangements  were  made  in  1824,  through  the  muni- 
ficence of  this  town,  for  the  removal  of  Capt.  Par- 
tridge's American,  Literary,  Scientific  and  Military 
Academy,  which  had  arisen  in  Norwich,  Vt.,  to  this  city, 
more  accessible  and  convenient  for  students  from  difl'er- 
erent  parts  of  the  country.  A  fine  site  for  it  was  se- 
cured, and  the  foundation  of  a  large  substantial  edifice 
laid,  "  according  to  the  forms  of  masonic  order  by  the 
fraternity,"  in  the  presence  of  numbers  of  the  citizens. 
This  and  the  Chapel  being  prepared,  and  the  Institution 
opened,  its  fifth  anniversary  was  celebrated  in  Septem- 
ber, 1825.  The  Hon.  Samuel  W.  Dana  delivered  the 
address,  and  besides  the  citizens,  more  than  two  hundred 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  109 

cadets  from  nineteen  different  States,  and  from  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia,  were  present  to  hear  him.  The  oc- 
casion and  the  audience  were  adapted  to  enlist  his  feel- 
ings and  call  forth  his  talents,  and  he  spoke  ably  in  fa- 
vor of  the  Institution.  This  was  designed  to  answer  to  its 
name,  to  be  appropriate  to  the  wants  of  the  American 
Republic,  literary  and  scientific,  exceedingly  so  in  some 
branches,  a  part  of  the  course  being  military  science  and 
instruction ;  to  be  "  in  organization  and  discipline" 
strictly  military,  the  students  to  be  called  cadets,  and 
dressed  in  uniform.  It  was  intended  to  avoid  the  defects 
of  other  literary  institutions,  and  to  secure  more  than 
their  advantages  ;  to  gratify  different  tastes  and  talents, 
predilections  and  attainments,  by  allowing  students  to 
enter  from  one  to  six  years,  and  to  advance  as  fast  as 
possible,  without  detention  from  those  who  were  less  pre- 
pared or  more  sluggish,  regard  being  had  "  to  a  thor- 
ough understanding  of  the  branches"  studied ;  to  edu- 
cate the  mind  and  body  together  ;  to  occupy  leisure 
hours  in  agreeable,  healthful  and  useful  exercises,  and  to 
gratify  detachments  by  tours  to  a  distance,  once  a  year, 
to  interesting  scenery,  "  battle  grounds"  and  important 
places  : — all  which  is  an  imperfect  sketch  of  its  objects. 

Until  1828,  "  the  exclusive  control  of  the  discipline" 
was  in  the  hands  of  Capt.  Partridge  ;  its  instruction  by 
himself  and  teachers  whom  he  employed  :  then  a  board 
of  six  trustees  was  appointed  and  the  faculty  increased. 
Ethical  lectures,  and  other  instructions  were  given  by 
the  chaplain,  Rev.  Walter  Colton.  An  important  one 
on  duelling  was  given  to  the  public.  Others  of  the  fac- 
ulty attended  to  their  assigned  branches.  The  account 
of  a  tour  to  the  city  of  Washington,  occupies  one  hun- 
dred octavo  pages. 

One  catalogue  states  the  number  of  cade.ts  belonging 


110  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

to  the  Institution,  to  be  two  hundred  and  forty-three,, 
though  some  twenty  of  them  were  in  a  primary  school,, 
taught  elsewhere.  Many  students  came  from  the  south- 
ern States.  Literary  gentlemen  present  at  an  examina- 
tion, in  1827,  spoke  very  highly  of  the  acquisitions  of 
the  students. 

Some  who  were  at  the  academy,  have  held  seats  in  the 
National  Councils,  or  otherwise  have  acquired  distinc- 
tion in  the  country  or  in  the  States,  as  writers  on  milita- 
ry tactics,  as  engineers,  and  officers  in  the  Mexican  war. 

But  the  Institution  was  not  continued  here.  In  1829 
the  buildings  were  vacated  and  reverted  to  the  proprie- 
tors. They  were  for  sale  and  at  a  reduced  price.  This 
occurred  at  an  interesting  period  in  the  history  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  when  their  leading  men 
were  contemplating  the  establishment  of  a  College,  some- 
where in  the  north-eastern  States.  The  proprietors 
were  desirous  of  accommodating  them.  Some  other 
places  wished  for  the  Institution.  In  these  circumstan- 
ces "  the  proprietors  of  the  Academy  offered  their  build- 
ings as  a  gratuity,  for  the  use  of  a  college  or  university 
forever,  on  condition  that  there  should  be  an  additional 
endowment  raised  of  $40,000.  Citizens  of  Middletowu 
and  vicinity,  with  a  commendable  zeal,,  by  a  public  grant 
and  by  private  subscriptions,  pledged  about  $18,000  of 
the  endowment „"  Hence  arose  the  Weslcyan  Universi- 
ty, which  went  into  operation  in  1830,  though  not  chart- 
ered until  the  succeeding  year.  "The  charter  secures 
to  it  all  the  rights  and  immunities  of  a  University."  All 
persons  are  eligible  as  officers,  and  admissible  as  students 
without  regard  to  sect  or  denomination. 

The  Institution  could  not  have  been  more  happy  than 
it  was,  in  the  selection  of  its  first  President.  Perform- 
ing an  astonishing  amount  of  labor,  for  one  so  feeble  in 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  Ill 

health,  for  tho  cause  of  religion  and  the  advancement  of 
ttc  operations  of  benevolence,  Dr.  Fisk  labored  hard 
and  successfully  for  the  University.  He  loved  it  until 
death,  offered  prayers  to  God  in  its  behalf,  and  sent  en- 
treaties to  men,  to  exert  themselves  in  its  favor.  His 
last  interviews  with  the  members  of  the  Faculty  and 
with  the  students,  were  adapted  to  accomplish  more  than 
the  mere  excitement  of  tender  emotions. 

The  University  has  already  conferred  the  Baccalau- 
reate degree  on  four  hundred  and  one  students,  and  has 
now  a  greater  number  of  undergraduates  than  ever.  Of 
the  graduated,  seventeen  were  from  this  town,  seventy- 
five  or  eighty  from  the  State  ;  others  from  more  distant 
parts  of  the  country.  A  large  proportion  of  the  whole, 
probably  would  not  have  received  a  collegiate  education, 
had  not  this  Institution  arisen.  Of  the  graduates,  some 
have  entered  the  professions  of  law  and  medicine,  some 
are  holding  offices  in  schools  and  seminaries  of  learning, 
and  many  have  become  preachers  of  the  gospel.  And 
here  a  fact  exists,  which  deserves  particular  notice.  It 
is  this,. that  quite  a  number  who  had  entered  the  minis- 
try in  the  Methodist  Church,  have  joined  the  University 
and  secured  a  classical  education,  that  they  may  more 
happily  expound  the  scriptures,  and  more  extensively 
advance  the  cause  of  Christ  in  the  world. 

The  University  is  well  established.  Having  teachers 
long  experienced,  some  of  whom  have  been  here  from 
nearly  or  quite  the  beginning,  and  sustained  by  the  ex- 
isting income  ;  with  libraries,  university  and  society, 
large  for  the  time  the  institution  has  existed,  with  appa- 
ratus and  cabinets  suited  to  different  professorships, 
with  several  conferences  for  its  patrons,  and  graduates 
traversing  the  country,  speaking  good  words  in  its  behalf, 
it  possesses  the  elements  of  increase  and  permanency. 


112  AUDH.KSS    OP    DR.     KIELLI. 

A  tribute  of  respect  is  due  to  the  hero  of  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  on  this  occasion.  Thomas  McDonough  was  born 
in  1783,  in  New  Castle  County,  Delaware,  and  at  the 
age  of  seventeen  entered  the  navy  of  the  United  States. 
He  went  with  our  fleet  to  the  Mediterranean,  where  he 
was  engaged  in  the  destruction  of  the  Philadelphia  frig- 
ate, which  the  Tripolitans  had  taken,  and  the  subse- 
quent capture  of  a  Tripolitan  gunboat,  by  the  side  of 
the  gallant  Decatur.  In  these  transactions  particularly, 
he  distinguished  himself  so  much,  that  he  was  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  lieutenant.  His  alliance  in  the  family  of 
Mr.  N.  Shaler  of  this  town,  p-nd  his  residence  here  as  a 
citizen,  neighbor  and  friend,  are  well  remembered. 

In  Sept.  1812,  then  a  captain,  he  took  the  command 
of  the  United  States'  naval  force  on  Lake  Champlain. 
To  entertain  anything  like  adequate  ideas  of  Avlmt  he 
did  while  in  possession  of  that  command,  especially  in 
the  successful  battle  near  its  close,  we  need  to  read,  or 
rather  study,  such  an  accurate  and  admirable  account  of 
the  whole,  as  is  given  by  J.  Fennimore  Cooper,  and  that 
spreads  over  twenty-five  octavo  pages.  A  sketch  mostly 
from  that  account,  is  all  that  can  now  be  attempted. 
Our  force  on  the  Lake  in  1812  was  small,  but  with  that 
Capt.  McDonough  carried  Gen.  Dearborn's  army  into 
Canada,  without  opposition  from  the  British  force,  which 
was  then  considered  as  inferior,  and  prevented  all  inter- 
ruption of  merchant  vessels  on  the  lake  by  the  enemy, 
and  molestation  of  our  inhabitants  on  its  shores.  In 
the  winter  of  1812-13,  when  the  vessels  of  the  belliger- 
ent powers  were  laid  up,  both  were  busily  employed  in 
altering,  repairing  and  fitting  their  respective  squadrons 
for  the  ensuing  campaign,  when  it  was  thought  an  action 
might  take  place  that  would  determine  the  point ,  which 
of  the  powers  should  have  the  control  of  the  Lake  ;  but 


ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FIELD.  113 

it  passed  off,  and  its  various  operations,  without  any- 
thing decisive.  In  the  winter  of  1813-14,  preparations 
were  more  vigilantly  made  for  the  next  campaign.  Capt. 
McDonough,  awake  to  his  responsibilities,  was  all  eye 
and  activity,  day  and  night.  That  campaign  brought 
the  anticipated  result ;  but  not  until  the  summer  had 
passed  ;  not  until  the  enemy  had  commenced  and  built 
that  summer  the  frigate  Confiance,  a  vessel  of  greater  ton- 
nage and  force  than  any  we  possessed,  nor  until  the  Amer- 
icans, aware  of  what  the  enemy  was  doing,  built  speedily 
by  great  exertion,  the  sloop  Eagle,  which  joined  our  squad- 
ron at  the  lines,  where  that  was  blockading  the  enemy. 
About  the  last  of  August  it  was  well  known  that  the  Con- 
fiance  was  nearly  ready  for  service,  and  that  the  whole 
British  force  by  water,  consisting  of  that  frigate,  the  brig 
Linnet,  and  two  sloops  of  war,  the  Chubb  and  Finch,  with 
eleven  or  twelve  gallies,  would  soon  be  in  the  lake  under 
the  command  of  Commodore  Downie,  and  that  at  the 
same  time  Sir  George  Provost  would  enter  the  United 
States  with  a  formidable  army.  The  immediate  design 
of  Sir  George  was  to  visit  Plattsburgh,  where  Gen.  Mc- 
Combs  was  commanding  with  a  handful  of  men  in  com- 
parison, and  where  were  a  great  amount  of  military 
stores,  and  other  public  property.  The  squadron  car- 
ried ninety-five  guns,  and  had  about  one  thousand  and 
fifty  men. 

In  these  circumstances  our  squadron  sailed  from  its 
anchorage  at  the  lines,  and  took  a  position  in  front  of 
Plattsburgh,  to  cut  off  the  co-operation  of  Commodore 
Downie  with  Sir  George  Provost,  to  prevent  effectually 
Sir  George  from  receiving  any  assistance  from  the  British 
squadron  in  his  contemplated  attack,  and  to  annoy  at 
the  same  time  the  British  army  in  its  necessary  passage 
over  a  ravine. 


114  ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FIELD. 

The  American  force  consisted  of  the  Saratoga,  the 
Eagle,  the  Ticonderoga,  the  Preble  and  ten  gallics,  car- 
rying eighty-six  guns.  The  number  of  men  was  eight 
hundred  and  twenty.  By  the  manner  in  which  Mc- 
Donough  anchored  his  vessels,  "  with  the  shoal  so  near 
the  rear  of  his  line  as  to  cover  that  extremity,  and  the 
land  of  Cumberland  Head  so  near  his  broad  side,  as 
necessarily  to  bring  the  enemy  within  the  reach  of  his 
short  guns,  he  completely  made  all  his  force  available." 

Two  or  three  days  after,  the  British  entered  the  lake 
and  sailed  for  Plattsburgh,  giving  to  Sir  George  Provost 
the  preconcerted  signal  of  readiness  for  attack. 

On  the  morning  of  September  llth,  the  enemy  were 
seen  coming  round  Cumberland  Head,  and  as  they  filled, 
the  Americans  sprung  their  broad  sides  to  bear,  and  a 
few  minutes  passed  in  solemn  and  silent  expectation. 
Suddenly  the  Eagle  discharged  in  quick  succession  her 
four  long  eighteens  in  broadside  at  first  without  effect, 
and  the  enemies  gallies  opened.  As  soon  as  Capt. 
McDonough  saw  that  the  Eagle's  shot  told — he  sighted 
himself  a  long  twenty -four,  and  the  gun  was  fired.  This 
is  said  to  have  struck  the  Confiance,  and  to  have  passed 
the  length  of  her  deck,  killing  and  wounding  several 
men,  and  carrying  away  the  wheel.  This  was  a  signal 
for  all  the  American  long  guns  to  open,  and  it  was  soon 
seen  that  the  English  flag  ship,  in  particular,  was  suf- 
fering heavily.  The  Linnet  fired  a  broadside  at  the 
Saratoga.  Commodore  Downie  had  some  difficulty  in 
anchoring  his  vessel,  and  did  not  fire  a  gun  till  his  ship 
was  secured,  "  and  then  it  appeared  a  sheet  of  flame, 
discharging  all  her  guns  at  nearly  the  same  time,  princi- 
pally at  the  Saratoga.  The  effect  of  a  broad-side  from 
sixteen  long  twenty-fours,  double  shotted,  in  perfect 
smooth  \vater,  with  guns  levelled  to  point  blank  range 


ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FIELD.  115 

find  coolly  sighted,  was  terrible  in  the  little  ship  that 
received  it.  About  forty  men  in  the  Saratoga,  near  one 
fifth  of  her  complement,  it  is  supposed,  were  killed  and 
wounded  by  this  single  discharge.  The  bodies  so  cum- 
bered the  deck  that  it  was  necessary  to  unfasten  the 
hatches  and  pass  them  below,  which  was  done  in  a  mo^ 
ment,  and  the  ship  resumed  her  fire  as  gallantly  as  ever. 
Among  the  slain,  however,  was  the  first  lieutenant,  and 
only  one  officer  of  that  rank  was  left  in  the  vessel.  All 
the  guns  on  the  side  first  engaged  were  soon  rendered 
useless,  and  yet  in  these  circumstances,  Capt.  McDon- 
ough  found  the  means  of  winding  her  round  and  firing 
from  the  other  side.  His  conduct  throughout  the  battle, 
and  particularly  at  this  crisis,  has  been  greatly  extolled. 
"  The  personal  deportment  of  Capt.  McDonough  in  the 
engagement,  like  that  of  Capt.  Perry  in  the  battle  of 
Lake  Erie,  was  the  subject  of  general  admiration. 
His  coolness  was  undisturbed  throughout  all  the  trying 
scenes  on  board  his  own  ship,  and  although  lying  against 
a  vessel  of  double  the  force  and  nearly  twice  the  tunnage 
of  the  Saratoga,  he  met  and  resisted  her  attacks  witlra 
constancy  that  seemed  to  set  defeat  at  defiance.  The 
winding  of  the  Saratoga,  under  such  circumstance,  ex- 
posed as  she  was  to  the  raking  broadsides  of  the  Con- 
fiance  and  Linnet,  especially  the  latter,  was  a  bold, 
seamanlike  and  masterly  measure,  that  required  unusual 
decision  and  fortitude  to  imagine  and  execute.  Most 
men  would  have  believed  that  without  a  single  gun  on 
the  side  engaged,  a  fourth  of  the  people  cut  down  and 
their  ship  a  wreck,  enough  injury  had  been  received  to 
justify  submission ;  but  Capt.  McDonough  found  the 
means  to  secure  a  victory  in  the  desperate  situation  of 
the  Saratoga." 

10 


116  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

The  battle  lasted  two  hours  and  twenty  minutes,  and 
during  the  conflict  the  efforts  of  the  parties  were  mainly 
against  the  ships  of  the  commanders,  though  the  Eagle 
suffered  much  in  the  loss  of  men.  Commodore  Downie 
fought  as  long  as  he  could.  He  surrendered  none  too 
soon.  Bad  as  was  the  situation  of  the  Saratoga,  the 
situation  of  the  Confiance  was  worse.  The  former  was 
hulled  fifty -five  times,  principally  by  twenty -four  pound 
shot,  the  latter  one  hundred  and  five  times.  Twenty- 
eight  men  were  killed  in  the  Saratoga  and  twenty-nine 
wounded,  fifty-seven  in  all.  A  British  officer,  the  day 
after  the  battle,  reported  the  deaths  in  the  Confiance  to 
have  been  forty-one,  and  the  English  afterwards  admit- 
ted the  wounded  to  have  been  eighty-three,  making  a  to- 
tal of  one  hundred  and  twenty-four,  but  this  number  is 
supposed  to  be  much  below  the  truth.  Taken  in  all  its 
circumstances,  the  victory  was  great  and  triumphant. 
Capt.  McDonough  had  been  honored  before, '  but  he  re- 
ceived a  vast  accession  of  renown  from  the  transactions 
of  this  day.  Besides  the  usual  medal  from  Congress, 
and  various  compliments  and  gifts  from  different  States 
and  towns,  he  was  promoted  for  his  services.  The  Leg- 
islature of  New  York  presented  him  also,  with  a  small 
estate  on  Cumberland  Head,  which  overlooked  the  scene 
of  his  triumph.  "  Albany  granted  him  the  freedom  of 
the  city.  The  officers  and  crews  met  with  the  customa- 
ry acknowledgements,  and  the  country  generally  placed 
the  victory  by  the  side  of  that  of  Lake  Erie.  In  the 
navy,  which  is  better  qualified  to  enter  into  just  esti- 
mates of  force,  and  all  the  other  circumstances  that  en- 
hance the  merits  of  nautical  exploits,  the  battle  of 
Plattsburgh  Bay  is  justly  placed  among  the  very  highest 
of  its  claims  to  glory."  "  The  consequences  of  this 
victory  were  immediate  and  important.  During  the  ac- 


ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD.  117 

tion,  Sir  George  Prevost  had  skirmished  in  front  of  the 
American  works,  and  was  busy  in  making  demonstra- 
tions for  a  more  serious  attack.  As  soon,  however,  as 
the  fate  of  the  British  squadron  was  ascertained,  he 
made  a  precipitate  and  unmilitary  retreat,  abandoning 
much  of  his  heavy  artillery,  stores  and  supplies,  and 
from  that  moment,  to  the  end  of  the  war,  the  northern 
frontier  was  cleared  of  the  enemy." 

Commodore  McDonough  was  in  the  naval  service  till 
near  the  time  of  his  death,  and  in  command  of  the  frigate 
Constitution,  in  the  sea  where  he  performed  his  earliest 
exploits.  Forced  by  continual  ill-health  to  give  up  the 
command  of  that  ship,  he  embarked  in  a  private  vessel 
from  Gibralter  on  the  24th  of  October  1825,  and  on  the 
10th  of  November  following,  died  at  sea.  On  the  arri- 
val of  his  remains  at  New  York,  the  authorities  of  the 
city,  in  sympathy  with  the  feelings  of  the  nation,  deeply 
mourned  the  loss  of  their  country ;  the  vessels  in  the 
harbor  displayed  their  colors  at  half  mast,  and  a  detach- 
ment from  the  militia  accompanied  the  hearse  through 
the  city.  You  know  where  his  flesh  rests  in  hope  ; — 
where  the  citizen  lingers  and  the  stranger  stops  to  read 
and  reflect.  To  the  accomplishments  of  a  gentleman 
and  of  an  officer3  he  added  the  graces  of  a  Christian. 
"  In  a  letter  to  a  relative  in  his  native  State,  written  in 
June  1814,  he  expatiates  upon  the  happiness  which  he 
derived  from  his  reliance  on  the  merits  and  atonement  of 
Christ,  and  earnestly  exhorted  the  friends  of  his  youth 
to  a  religious  life,  as  the  only  one  which  leads  to  happi- 
ness, and  which  good  sense  points  out  to  those  convinced 
of  the  reality  of  another  world.  To  his  brother's  widow 
left  in  narrow  circumstances,  he  tendered  liberal  pecu- 
niary aid,  declaring  that  his  religion  made  him  the  wid- 
ow's friend.  On  the  morning  of  his  great  victory  he 


118  ADDRESS    OF    DR.    FIELD. 

prayed  with  his  men,  and  as  he  saw  the  hostile  fleet  ap- 
proaching, he  remarked  :  "  They  are  superior  to  us  in 
force,  but  by  the  blessing  of  God  we  can  beat  them." 
During  the  battle  he  was  obliged  frequently  to  work  his 
own  guns,  and  three  times  he  was  driven  across  the  deck 
by  splinters  &c.,  which  flew  around  him.  When  asked 
how  he  escaped  amid  such  carnage  1  he  replied,  pointing 
to  heaven,  "  there  is  a  power  above  which  determines  the 
fate  of  men."*  In  announcing  his*  victory  to  the  War 
Department,  he  said :  "  The  Almighty  has  been  pleased 
to  grant  us  a  signal  victory  on  Lake  Champlain,  in  the 
capture  of  one  frigate,  one  brigand  two  sloops  of  war." 
Thus  he  did  homage  to  the  God  of  battles. f 

In  conclusion  suffer  me  to  say,  the  lines  are  fallen  to 
you  hi  a  pleasant  place,  and  you  have  a  goodly  heritage. 
There  are  many  rivers  hi  our  country,  longer  and  deeper 
than  this,  with  larger  cities  on  their  banks  than  any  of 
which  we  can  boast,  and  the  more  beautiful  and  prosper- 
ous they  are,  so  much  the  better.  But  the  Connecticut 
has  always  been  admired. 

"  Fair,  noble,  glorious  river  !  in  thy  wave, 
The  sunniest  slopes  and  sweetest  pastures  lave, 
The  mountain  torrent,  with  its  wintry  roar, 
Springs  from  its  home  and  leaps  upon  thy  shore  : 
The  promontories  love  thee — and  for  this 
Turn  their  rough  cheeks  and  stay  thee  for  thy  kiss." 
And  on  this  river,  or  elsewhere  it  would  be  difficult  to 
find  a  place,  more  delightfully  situated  than  this  where 
we  are  assembled,  or  scenery  more  charming  than  that 
which  spreads  itself  around  us.     The  elder  President 
Adams  in  a  journey  in  the  month  of  June  1Y71  struck 

*  Religious  Intelligencer,  vol.  10,  pp.  454. 
t  Allen's  B.  Dictionary. 


ADDRESS   OF   DR.    FIELD.  119 

the  Connecticut  river  at  Enfield,  and  passed  down 
through  Windsor  and  Hartford  to  Wethersfleld,  admir- 
ing the  valley  on  the  way,  and  saying  when  at  the  last 
place.  "  This  is  the  finest  ride  in  America,  I  believe : 
nothing  can  exceed  the  beauty  and  fertility  of  the  coun- 
try." But  when  he  had  proceeded  on  farther  to  Prospect 
Hill  in  Upper  Middletown,  and  the  river  for  miles  open- 
ed before  him,  with  the  intervals  and  improvements  on 
both  sides ;  with  the  luxuriant  crops  ripening  for  har- 
vest, the  body  of  this  town,  and  the  mountains  in  the  dis- 
tance, he  was  enraptured,  and  said  ;  "  Middletown  I 
think  is  the  most  beautiful  of  all."  Spending  two  days 
here,  he  adds  :  "  The  more  I  sec  of  this  town,  the  more 
I  admire  it."  Art  and  industry  have  added  much  to 
the  beauty  of  the  place  since  his  visit ;  it  has  many  more 
buildings,  private  and  public,  and  many  of  superior 
architecture.  The  city  and  the  scenery  are  seen  to 
great  advantage  from  the  river  eastward,  and  from  slopes 
and  elevations  of  land  in  different  directions,  from  the 
dwellings  of  many  of  the  inhabitants,  particularly  from 
those  on  High  street,  and  from  the  University.  By  thia 
scenery  the  most  pleasing  sensations  are  produced,  when 
the  sun  throws  his  rays  over  the  eastern  hills,  and  when 
he  sinks  in  the  west. 

Until  the  Valley  of  the  Father  of  waters,  and  the  re- 
gions beyond  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  the  Sierra  Ne- 
vada, shall  be  occupied  ;  till  the  mines  of  California 
shall  be  ascertained  and  appropriated,  there  will  be  great 
emigrations  from  the  East :  and  with  the  rapidly  in- 
creasing influx  of  population  from  Europe,  and  recently 
from  the  Isles  of  the  Pacific,  and  from  Asia,  these  things 
may  be  accomplished  sooner  than  we  expect,  and  then  the 
vallies  of  James  river  and  of  the  Connecticut  may  coine 
afresh  into  remembrance.  In  the  meanwhile  a  health- 
*  10 


120  ADDRESS    OF   DR.    FIELD. 

ful  increase  of  population  may  be  expected  here.  Man- 
ufactures may  increase  on  ike  little,  but  valuable  mill 
streams  -which  come  to  the  borders  of  the  city  on 
purpose  to  bless  you.  If  the  calls  for  the  Portland 
stone  multiply  as  they  recently  have  done,  there  must 
be  a  dense  population  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river  ;  and  if  foreign  commerce  should  not  be  revived 
with  the  West  Indies,  one,  more  foreign,  may  be  carried 
on  by  them,  through  a  ship  channel  across  the  Isthmus 
to  the  South  Seas,  and  be  the  more  productive  by  the 
enterprising  and  adventurous  spirits  who  shall  previously 
fly  from  us. 

Yes,  there  are  attractions  enough  now,  to  cause  an  in- 
crease of  population  here.  And  half  a  century  heiice, 
a  century,  two  centuries,  how  many  fine  dwellings,  coun- 
try seats  and  charming  cottages  will  appear  on  the  sur- 
rounding slopes,  and  how  will  society  be  advanced  by 
literature,  by  science  and  the  arts,  by  kindness,  and 
above  all  by  Christianity.  But  who  shall  live  at  those 
periods  1  Our  grave  yards  now  are  more  numerous 
than  our  churches,  and  filled  with  larger  congregations. 
The  cemetery  just  laid  out  will  soon  be  occupied,  and 
how  many  now  present,  who  shall  go  thither  for  a  walk  ; 
to  throw  flowers  on  the  graves  of  friends  ;  to  meditate, 
and  to  thank  God  for  the  glorious  doctrine  of  the  resur- 
rection, will  soon  find  there  their  own  narrow  house  ? 
But  let  us  serve  God  and  our  generation  faithfully,  and 
then  death  will  but  unite  us  to  our  pious  ancestry,  and 
to  the  good  of  all  past  ages. 


WE  copy  as  an  appropriate  Appendix  to  Dr.  FIELD'S 
Address,  the  following  statistical  account  of  "  Middle  - 
town  as  it  is,"  in  1850.  It  is  from  the  pen  of  E.  M. 
GORHAM,  Esq.,  and  was  originally  published  among  the 
correspondence  of  the  New  York  Journal  of  Commerce. 

PUBLISHERS  or  ADDRESS. 


As  a  place  of  residence  and  natural  beauty,  Middle- 
town  has  few  equals  and  still  less  superiors.  Its  numer- 
ous and  well  arranged  shade  trees,  general  healthful  - 
ness,  clean  and  spacious  streets,  full  complement  of 
churches  and  schools, — stately  private  mansions,  with 
ample  grounds  tastefully  ornamented  with  delicate  shrub- 
bery and  rare  exotics,  shedding  forth,  in  the  season,  their 
genial  influence — render  it  one  of  those  quiet  rural 
cities  where  wealth,  satisfied  with  objects  that  impart 
refinement  and  rational  enjoyment,  must  ever  delight  to 
dwell.  Located  on  a  gentle  rise  of  ground  gradually 
stretching  up  west  from  the  river  to  an  elevation  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty-five  feet,  (the  height  of  the  College 
grounds,)  a  profusion  of  beautiful  landscape  scenery  is 
spread  out  to  view,  affording  the  lover  of  nature  ample 
food  for  "  a  feast  of  reason,  and  a  flow  of  soul."  And 
not  upon  the  city  alone  has  nature  made  its  bountiful  be- 
stowments.  The  surrounding  country  furnishes  many 
fine  pleasure  drives,  and  is  alike  picturesque.  Wealth 
it  also  has  in  no  stinted  measure,  but  like  too  many 
places  possessing  superior  natural  charms,  the  residence 
of  capitalists,  it  experiences,  to  too  great  an  extent ,  the 
need  of  their  capital,  without  feeling  its  thrift-giving 
power. 

The  neat  white  dwelling-house,  dotting  hi  thick  suc- 
cession its  central  localities,  speaking  of  the  honesty  and 
true  citizenship  of  the  journeyman  mechanic  and  the 


124  MIDDLETOWN ITS   MANUFACTORIES. 

factory  operative,  is  most  lamentably,  and  we  might  say, 
censurably  deficient.  There  is  in  and  around  the  city, 
a  great  surplus  of  eligible,  yet  unoccupied  ground,  which 
might  be  profitably  laid  out  into  suitable  squares  or 
plots,  and  thus  afford  at  a  cheap  rate  a  spot  upon  which 
the  steady  and  prudent  mechanic  might  erect  his  "  little 
castle,"  and  at  the  same  time  instilin  to  his  existence 
principles  of  frugality  and  a  habit  of  husbanding  his 
earnings,  now  too  often  worse  than  squandered,  and, 
perhaps,  simply  because  no  such  self-elevating  and  really 
tangible  object  offers  itself  as  ?in  incentive  to  sober  in- 
dustry and  more  ennobling  action.  It  is  for  the  capita- 
lists and  land-holders  of  Middlctown,  to  offer  these  in- 
ducements to  economy  and  frugality  if  they  will,  and  at 
the  same  time  not  only  enhance  the  value  of  their  own 
property,  but  also  add  to  the  red  wealth  and  business  of 
the  place. 

Although  centrally  located,  it  has,  nevertheless,  in 
its  connections  with  the  business  and  traveling  public, 
been  almost  isolated,  like  a  cast-oft'  member  of  a  family, 
from  the  rest  of  the  State,  and  as  little  sought  by  in- 
quirers seeking  to  establish  themselves  in  trade.  With 
no  means  for  the  egress  and  ingress  of  trade,  save  by 
river  navigation,  and,  during  its  close  four  or  five  months 
of  the  year,  by  means  of  teaming  to  some  point  of  trans- 
portation, it  is  not  strange  that  its  business  prosperity 
in  times  past  should  have  failed  to  keep  pace  with  that 
of  sister  towns.  One  advantage,  it  is  true,  it  has  pos- 
sessed, and  still  possesses  to  much  greater  extent  than 
formerly,  over  most  other  manufacturing  districts  of  the 
State, — the  cheapness  of  freight  on  heavier  materials 
for  home  consumption.  The  large  number  of  vessels 
employed  by  the  Portland  quarries,  (now  some  seventy 
bail,)  return  in  ballast  after  discharging  their  cargo,  con- 


MIDDLETOWN ITS  MANUFACTORIES.  125 

scqucntly  bring  freights  of  all  kinds  on  return  trips  at 
a  much  less  price  than  could  otherwise  be  afforded,  arid 
as  low,  if  not  even  lower,  than  the  same  tonnage  can  be 
had  at  New  Haven,  and  at  quite  a  deduction  from  the 
cost  to  places  reached  only  by  railroad  communication. 
The  vantage  ground  thus  given  manufacturers  of  Mid- 
dletown,  in  connection  with  the  "  swift-winged  "  loco- 
motive, which  now  comes  in  to  supply,  in  part  at  least 
the  deficiency  heretofore  experienced  during  the  suspen- 
sion of  river  navigation,  makes  it  second  to  no  other 
place  in  Connecticut  as  an  available  manufacturing  lo- 
cality,— a  fact  beginning  to  be  understood  as  well  as  put 
to  practical  use. 

Notwithstanding  the  limited  facilities,  especially  in 
winter,  for  forwarding  goods  to  market,  against  which 
manufacturers  have  had,  until  quite  recently,  to  contend, 
the  business  of  Middlctown  is  much  more  extensive, 
taken  as  a  whole,  than  is  generally  supposed,  and  no 
small  item  in  making  up  the  aggregate  of  the  manufac« 
turing  interests  of  the  State.  Among  those,  who,  de- 
spite of  these  minor  difficulties,  have  profitably  establish- ' 
ed  themselves  in  various  branches  of  ivholesale  manufac- 
ture ;  successfully  competing  with  those  elsewhere  and 
more  conveniently  situated  ;  some  of  whom  have  gained 
a  well  deserved  reputation  throughout  the  Union  for  the 
superior  quality  of  their  wares, — we  find  the  following 
named  ;  the  statistics  of  whose  business  and  the  kinds 
of  goods  made,  have  been  gathered  during  our  peregrin- 
ations about  the  place,  with  no  small  degree  of  care  in 
reference  to  their  correctness,  as  well  as  entire  com- 
pleteness. 

Commencing  with  the  factories  on  the  "  Pameacha,*' 
a  narrow  stream  which  finds  its  way  along  the  outskirts 
of  the  city,  over  a  rocky  bed  deep  buried  between  high 


126  MIDDLETOWN — ITS    MANUFACTORIES. 

and  rugged  banks,  we  find,  first,  in  one  factory,  H.  L. 
Baldwin,  and  F.  Baldwin,  the  first  making  bank  and 
store  locks,  and  night  latches,  employing  twelve  hands  ; 
and  the  latter  plate  and  closet  locks,  with  eight  hands, 
each  turning  out  their  appropriate  quantum  of  work. 
Following  up  the  stream,  next  comes  the  factory  of  Win. 
Wilcox  &  Co.,  who  make  a  superior  article  of  plate 
lock,  togethjjr  with  a  more  common  lock  of  the  same  pat- 
tern, employ  twenty  hands,  and  turn  off  $10,000  worth 
of  locks  per  year.  In  another  part  of  the  same  build- 
ing L.  D.  Vansands  makes  improved  blind  fasteners  and 
saw-strainers,  to  the  amount  of  $10,000  annually — and 
gives  employment  to  fifteen  hands.  Further  on  stands 
the  extensive  sash  and  blind,  flooring  and  planing  mill," 
of  I.  W.  Baldwin,  who  is  driving  a  profitable  business, 
and  keeps  employed  some  twenty-five  hands  ;  and  again, 
the  Tweed  or  Jean  mill  of  the  Pameacha  Manufactur- 
ing Co.,  with  its  twenty  operatives,  and  business  of 
$20,000.  Still  further  on,  near  the  juncture  of  this  and 
the  Sanseer  stream,  are  the  works  of  Wm.  Stroud, 
where  machinery,  castings,  iron  dirt  scrapers,  corn  shel- 
lers,  plows,  &c.,  &c.,  are  made,  employing  in  the  differ- 
ent branches  twenty  hands.  In  the  same  buildings,  Nel- 
son &  Hubbard  make  rules,  squares,  and  bevels  ;  and 
employ  fifteen  hands  ;  A.  H.  Derby  also  has  his  apart- 
ments for  the  manufacture  of  Britannia  ware  ;  and  F. 
W.  Atkins,  for  making  blind  fasteners — each  and  all 
of  whom,  judging  by  the  prevailing  activity  in  their  sev- 
eral departments,  find  a  ready  sale  for  their  labor. 

Crossing  from  the  last  named  works  to  "  South 
Farms,"  a  village  about  fifteen  minutes  walk  from  the 
Post  Office,  we  find  located  on  the  "  Sanseer  Stream," 
the  three  Factories  of  the  "  Russell  Manufacturing 
Company,"  who  have  an  invested  capital  of  $100,000, 


MIDDLETOWN — ITS  MANUFACTORIES.  12T 

and  employ  about  two  hundred  operatives  in  the  manu- 
facture ef  India  Rubber  Suspenders,  cotton,  and  worst- 
ed webbing,  of  which  they  make  at  the  present  time  the 
amount  of  from  $150,000  to  $200,000  a  year.  On  the 
same  stream  stands  the  machine  shop  of  the  "  Sanseer 
Manufacturing  Company,"  where  are  made  various  kinds 
of  machinery,  by  some  sixteen  workmen.  This  com- 
pany have  considerable  repute  for  the  excellence  and 
cheapness  of  their  work  ;  more  particularly  is  this  true 
of  their  machinery  for  making  fine  ivory  combs. 

Leaving  the  more  eastern  suburbs,  and  retracing  our 
steps  back  to  the  city,  we  are  attracted  when  near  its 
center  by  the  commingled  sounds  of  the  ponderous  ma- 
chinery performing  its  part  of  the  labor  in  the  heavy  es- 
tablishment of  W.  &  B.  Douglas,  who  employ  about 
eighty  workmen,  and  are  sending  into  all  parts  of  the 
country  their  highly  celebrated  "  Patent  Metallic  Pumps, 
and  Hydraulic  Rams" — articles  that  have  gained  a 
widely  extended  name  for  their  superiority  over  any  kind, 
of  pump,  or  water  elevator  now  in  use.  In  connection 
with  these,  they  are  making  "  Patent  wrought  iron  Butts 
and  Hinges  "  which,  like  their  pumps  and  rams,  are  fast 
superseding  in  market  other  and  less  approved  styles. 
These  gentlemen  use,  of  the  raw  material,  of  iron  some 
six  hundred  tons,  twenty  tons  of  brass,  and  in  working 
it  up,  three  hundred  tons  of  anthracite  coal.  Besides 
the  articles  above  named,  they  also  make  of  hardware, 
"  wrought  iron  washers,  well  wheels,  friction  rolls,  &c.," 
and  a  new  article  of  "  chain  pump."  Their  entire  ma- 
chinery is  driven  by  a  powerful  and  skilfully  perfected 
engine  of  their  own  manufacture. 

The  Messrs.  Douglas  have  raised  themselves,  increas- 
ing year  by  year  to  their  present  business  standing  (now 
from  $80,000  to  $100,000  per  year)  entirely  by  their 
11 


128  M1DDLETOWN — ITS   MANUFACTORIES* 

own  inventive  genius,  artistical  skill,  and  the  aptness  of 
their  inventions  to  the  wants  of  the  public.  And  the 
demand  for  the  labor  of  their  heads  and  hands,  is  the 
best  evidence  that  their  calculations  were  based  upon  no 
visionary  and  unsound  theory,  as  to  what  was  really  need- 
ed to  supply  the  deficiency  hitherto  experienced  in  find- 
ing a  successful,  convenient,  and  cheap  mode  of  forcing 
water  for  the  various  uses  to  which  their  Pumps,  Rams, 
and  other  Hydraulic  machines  are  applied. 

Next  comes  Jesse  G.  Baldwin,  who  is  largely  engaged 
in  the  silver-plating  business,  such  as  tea,  table  and  des- 
sert spoons,  forks,  fish  and  butter  knives,  soup  ladles, 
&c.,  together  with  the  manufacture  of  patent  wire, 
strengthened  britannia,  and  common  britannia  spoons, 
wares,  which,  for  beauty  of  finish,  diversity  of  pattern, 
and  favorable  notoriety,  will  not  suffer,  we  will  venture 
to  say,  in  comparison  with  anything  of  the  kind  made  in 
the  Union.  It  is  the  boast  of  Mr.  B.  that  he  has  work- 
men equal  in  mechanical  skill,  in  his  line,  to  any  in  the 
country,  and  from  the  attractive  appearance  of  the  wares 
shown  us  at  his  packing  and  forwarding  rooms,  the  boast 
is  far  from  being  an  idle  one.  He  employs  thirty  hands, 
and  does  a  business  of  from  $60,000  to  $75,000  per 
year. 

Continuing  on  through  the  city,  we  find  Cooley  & 
Danforth  engaged  in  getting  up  the  patent  abdominal 
supporters  and  trusses,  of  Drs.  Banning,  Fitch,  and 
Battle.  Aside  from  the  painful  necessity  of  wearing 
these  artificial  props  and  supports,  it  would  seem  almost 
a  pleasure  to'hbe  braced  up  in  so  highly  finished  and 
beautifully  wrought  instruments.  F.  A.  Hart  &  Co., 
employing  about  thirty  operatives  in  making  silk  and 
cotton  corset  and  shoe  lacings,  welting  cord,  shoulder 
braces,  &c.  Tewksbury  &  Tuttle,  turning  out  bevels 


MIDDLETOWN — ITS   MANUFACTORIES.  129 

and  squares.  H.  H.  Graves  &  Co.,  making  a  very  pretty 
and  substantial  article  of  britannia  coffee  and  tea  urns, 
sugar  and  cream  cups,  lamps  and  candle  sticks,  with 
twelve  hands.  Nathaniel  Bacon,  a  gentleman  quite  ex- 
tensively known  as  the  maker  of  superior  bank  and  safe 
locks.  H.  E,  Boardman,  manufacturer  of  gaiter  boots 
to  the  amount  of  $12,000  per  year,  employing  some  fif- 
teen hands.  H.  &  W.  Johnson,  making  the  same  style 
of  boots  to  the  amount  of  $5,000  or  $7,000  per  year. 
J.  K.  Penfield,  turning  out  any  quantity  of  patent  grum- 
mets. Penfield  &  Camp,  are  doing  a  business  of  $6,000 
per  year  in  the  manufacture  of  Judd's  medicated  liquid 
cuticle,  a  substitute  for  sticking  and  court  plasters  in 
surgical  operations,  and  for  dressing  wounds,  a  remedial 
agent  that  has  only  to  be  tried  to  know  its  intrinsic  value. 
H.  Salisbury  &  Co.,  exclusively  engaged  in  making  gold 
spectacles  to  the  amount  of  $20,000  yearly.  Gleason 
&  Dickinson,  doing  perhaps  a  less,  but  the  same  kind  of 
business.  C.  F.  Smith,  who  has  recently  commenced 
the  manufacture  of  sand  paper.  This  last  named  com- 
pletes the  list  of  wholesale  manufacturers  in  the  city. 

Again  leaving  the  city,  we  will  spend  a  few  moments 
among  the  factories  in  Upper  Middletown.  First  in  the 
list  is  that  of  J.  &  E.  Stevens  &  Co.,  who  are'  making 
wardrobe,  coat  and  hat  hooks,  surplice  pins,  door  but- 
tons, shutter  screws,  toy  and  sad  iron  stands,  axes,  tack, 
shoe  and  other  varieties  of  small  hammers.  We  might 
thus  go'  on  in  enumeration  until  we  had  reached  the  sum 
of  about  seventy  different  articles  made  at  this  establish- 
ment. Half  a  ton  of  iron  wheels  for  children's  toy  wag- 
gons, is  here  made  per  week.  This  kind  of  wheel  was, 
until  a  very  short  time  since,  wholly  imported ;  now, 
however,  those  of  homemake  have,  owing  to  their  lesser 
price,  and  equal  quality,  driven  the  foreign  make  almost 


130  MIDDLETOWN — ITS    MANUFACTORIES. 

entirely  out  of  the  market.  There  is  another  interest- 
ing fact  connected  -with  the  article  of  tack  hammers  here 
made,  which  is  only  another  of  the  many  instances 
where  Yankee  inventive  ingenuity  has  triumphed  over 
the  slower  movements  and  less  fertile  genius  of  manufac- 
turers across  the  water.  These  miniature  hammers  are 
made  of  Scotch  iron,  which,  of  course,  must  first  be  im- 
ported, and  duties  paid.  A  large  invoice  of  the  same 
was,  a  short  time  since,  exported  and  sold  in  Liverpool 
in  competition  with  home  make,  or  pauper  labor,  at  a 
clear  advance  to  the  shipper  of  twenty -five  per  cent. 
The  Messrs.  Stevens  &  Co.,  employ  at  their  works  for- 
ty hands,  and  do  a  business  of  from  $35,000  to  $40,- 
000  a  year.  William  P.  Allison  makes  hammers  of  the 
Allison,  Browns,  S.  F.  Claw,  Warner,  and  cast  steel 
stamps,,  said  to  be  of  very  desirable  styles  and  quality, 
to  the  worth  of  $10,000  a  year,  and  keeps  employed 
twelve  hands.  The  Messrs.  Norths  are  manufacturing 
brass  knob  chamber  or  shutter  bolts,  brass  knob  barrel, 
flat  shutter,  and  improved  tower  bolts,  also  steel  spring 
square  bolts  and  japanned  lifting  handles,  employ  ten 
hands,  and  do  a  business  of  $8,000  to  10,000.  Kelsey, 
Wright  &  Co.,  get  up  a  fine  article  of  suspender  buckles, 
to  the  amount  of  $12,000  to  $15,000,  and  employ  some 
twenty  hands.  Still  further  up,  or  at  Upper  Houses, 
Warner  &  Noble  manufacture  hammers  of  the  same 
styles  as  those  made  by  W.  P.  Allison,  and  do  about  the 
same  amount  of  business. 

Once  more  taking  our  "  note  book,"  we  will  extend 
observations  along  the  "  Arrowniammett"  River,  which 
rises  at  Durham,  flows  through  Middletown,  (Middlefield 
Society)  and  empties  into  the  Connnecticut,  affording 
many  excellent  water  privileges  yet  unoccupied,  besides 
those  already  in  use..  Commencing  at  the  Reservoir,. 


MIDDLETOWN — ITS   MANUFACTORIES.  131 

some  five  miles  out  of  the  city,  is  the  horn  button  facto- 
ry of  Alfred  Bailey  &  Co.,  who  are  having  a  successful 
run  of  business.     Turning  our  face  towards  the  city,  we 
successively  meet  in  their  order,  the  works  of  Mark  Mil- 
drum  &  Co.,  where  are  made  brass  and  copper  wash  ba- 
sins, coal  shovels,'  sifters,  &c. ;    bone  grinding  mill  of 
Andrew  Coe;    the  Falls  Manufacturing  Company,  at 
Middlefield  Falls,  who,  with  thirty  operatives,  make  sus- 
pender twist,  to  the  amount  of  $20,000  per  year.     This 
company  have  just  increased  the  size  of  their  mill,  and 
are  otherwise  extending  business.     H.  Aston  &  Co.,  pis- 
tol factory,  in  the  employ  of  the  United  States,  have  fif- 
ty hands,  and  make  six  thousand  pistols  a  year,  worth 
$35,000.     Blasting  powder  mill  of  D.  C.  "R»nd,  with 
six  workmen — the  powder  here  made  u>  principally  used 
at  the  Portland  quarries.     Paper  mill  of  R.  F.  Brower 
—the   style   is   light  and   heavy   hardware    wrapping. 
Carbine  Factory  of  North  &  Savage,    at  work  for  the 
United  States.     THs  factory  is  not  now  under  full  blast, 
having  just  gone  through  thorough  repairs,  in  anticipa- 
tion of  an  enlarged  business.     Factory  formerly  known 
as  Starr's  Pistol  Factory,  now   occupied  by  William 
Ashton,  in  the  manufacture  of  pistols,  and  James  Tidge- 
well  &  Son,  try-squares,  bevels  and  guages.       Comb 
factory  of  Buckland,  Stearns  &  Co.,  who  employ  sixteen 
hands,  and  turn  off  from  $25,000  to  $40,000  worth  of 
ivory  combs  annually.     It  would  seem  hardly  possible 
for  human  skill  to  invent  machinery  to  work  more  pre- 
cise, and  we  might  say  delicately,  than  that  used  at  this 
establishment,  or  to  find  ivory  combs  possessing  a  more 
perfect  completeness  when  finished,  than  those  made  by 
this  firm.     And  last,  though  by  no  means  least,    the 
plane  factory  of  Austin  Baldwin.      Mr.   B.  has  been 
long  jind  extensively  known  as  a  maker    of  joiner's 
*  11 


132  MIDDLETOWN ITS    MANUFACTORIES. 

planes,  and  by  none  better  than  those  who  have  had  oc- 
casion to  experience  the  advantages  of  a  good  plane  over 
a  poor  one.  Planes  of  all  patterns  arc  here  made  to 
the  amount  of  $25,000  a  year,  by  twenty-eight  Avorkmen. 

Again,  in  Westfield  Society,  a  pleasant  village  some 
two  miles  west  of  the  city,  there  is  a  never  failing  stream 
called  "  Willow  Bridge  Brook,"  having  its  rise  in  the 
mountains,  and  flowing  into  the  Connecticut.  There  are 
several  unimproved  water  privileges  along  its  course, 
where  a  fall  of  twenty  to  thirty  feet  might  be  obtained 
with  limited  expense.  Although  it  is  but  quite  recently 
that  attention  has  been  turned  to  this  stream  for  its 
manufacturing  importance,  there  are  already  located  here 
a  factory  owned  by  James  O.  Smith,  extensively  engag- 
ed in  making  Japan  varnish,  which  has  a  large  sale  ;  the 
various  articles  in  the  line  of  tin  and  japanned  ware, 
which,  owing  to  its  superior  quality,  has  a  successful 
competition  in  market  with  the  foreign  make.  Mr.  S. 
employs  twenty  hands,  and  supplies  a  demand  for  his 
goods  to  the  amount  of  from  $25,000  to  $30,000  per 
year.  A  mill  for  weaving  coach  lace,  with  some  six 
operatives,  owned  by  J.  B.  Rose.  And  the  factory  of 
H.  II.  Graves  &  Co.,  where  in  addition  to  their  works 
in  the  city,  they  make  some  $5,000  worth  of  Britannia 
ware. 

As  may  be  inferred  from  what  we  have  already  said, 
Middletown  is  evidently  arousing  herself,  and  shaking 
oft*  the  rust  that  has  been  allowed  to  gather  and  eat  in- 
to her  vitality  for  years  past,  and  will  soon  have  secured 
an  honorable  name  beside  the  more  noted  manufactur- 
ing districts  of  the  State.  The  factories  herein  named, 
located  in  Upper  Middletown,  have  all  risen  up  within 
five  years,  and  other  sections  of  the  town  give  good  evi- 
dence of  newly  infused  business  life.  The  Branch  Rail- 


MIDDLETOWN ITS  MANUFACTORIES.  133 

road  to  Berlin,  little  as  it  meets  the  actual  wants  of  the 
whole  community,  has  unquestionably  assisted  to  add 
new  impetus  to  manufacturing,  as  well  as  to  other 
branches  of  home  industry.  One  manufacturer  stated 
to  us,  that  he  saved  by  it  in  the  transportation  of  his 
wares  during  the  close  of  the  river,  at  least  one  dollar 
per  day  ;  and,  we  presume,  the  same  is  true  of  others 
who  have  been  compelled,  at  such  time,  to  team  their 
goods  to  a  point  from  whence  they  could  be  taken  to 
places  of  destination. 

It  is  said  that  more  building  has  been  done  during  the 
past  year,  than  in  any  previous  year  within  recollection, 
while  important  projects  have  taken  root  which  are  calcu- 
lated to  add  very  materially  to  the  prosperity  as  well  as 
attractiveness  of  the  place.  Not  among  the  least,  is  the 
purchase  and  appropriate  laying  out,  by  an  association 
of  gentlemen,  of  ground  for  a  cemetery.  This  new 
place  of  sepulture  is  a  vast  and  beautiful  mound,  rising 
to  an  elevation  of  some  two  hundred  and  twenty-seven  feet 
above  the  river,  about  one  mile  from  the  centre  of  the 
city  and  bears  the  name  of  Indian  Hill  Cemetery,  its 
name  derived,  it  is  said  from  traditionary  story,  which 
makes  it  the  place  where  the  Red  men  of  the  forest  once 
lighted  their  council  fires,  and  where  are  deposited  the 
bones  and  hunting  implements  of  several  noted  chiefs. 
The  mound  contains  some  forty-five  or  fifty  acres,  tow- 
ers majestically  above  the  surrounding  country,  and  com- 
mands at  once  a  most  magnificent  view  far  up  the  river, 
and  overlooks  the  city  with  its  busy  life — ever  standing 
like  a  faithful  monitor  to  warn  the  thoughtless  living  of 
the  fleetness  of  earthly  existence,  and  to  call  their  at- 
tention from  worldly  scenes  to  the  solemn  spot  where 
sleep  their  kindred  and  friends.  From  this  calm  emi- 
nence, the  grave  side  mourner  may,  from  among  the  habi- 


134  MIDDLETOWN ITS    MANUFACTORIES. 

tations  of  the  dead,  also  catch  the  inspiration  of  full- 
lifed  nature,  and  in  holy  adoration  contemplate  the  good- 
ness and  greatness  of  God,  as  displayed  in  his  mighty 
works,  as  well  as  in  his  no  less  instructive  bereavmcnts. 
We  know  of  no  cemetery  in  New  England  more  pleas- 
antly located,  or  susceptible  of  greater  desirable  improve- 
ments. Seven  hundred  lots,  each  containing  six  hundred 
and  twenty-five  square  feet,  have  been  staked  off,  leav- 
ing still  ground  enough  for  some  seven  or  eight  hundred 
more  of  like  dimensions. 

But  to  dwell  on  all  that  is  indicative  of  the  awakening 
of  a  correct  public  sentiment  as  to  what  is  really  needed 
to  make  Middletown  what  it  should  be,  and  what  nature 
has  designed  it  to  be,  would  require  too  much  time  and 
space.  It  is  enough  to  say  that  its  course  is,  in  all  re- 
spects, if  we  can  frame  a  conclusion  from  present  eviden- 
ces, henceforth  to  be  onward  and  upward,  and  that  a  very 
few  years  at  the  most  will  place  it  by  the  side  of  the 
most  important  manufacturing  towns  of  Connecticut. 

E.    M.    GORHAM. 

MIDDLETOWN,  January  22,  1851. 


Prepared  by  Dr.  Field  to  follow  his  address  ; 
Indian  Deed  ;    Origin  of  early  settlers. 

Sketches  of  the  Towns  and  Societies  within  the  origi- 
nal limits  of  Middletown,  together  with  the  Rise  of  dif- 
ferent Denominations,  their  Churches  and  C.  Officers  ; 
Lists  of  Civil  Officers,  &c. 


(NOTE  A.) 

$)eec)  of  ffye  J^fyifS  fo  % 

fl     i"t\/Te  N  N  f     i     i 

of  Mioolefoton. 

/  mJ 


This  writing  made  the  twenty-fourth  of  January  1672, 
between  Sepunnamoe,  Joan,  alias  Weekpissick,  Machize, 
Wesumpsha,  Wamphaneh,  Spunno,  Sachamas,  Taccom- 
huit,  proprietors  of  Middletown,  alias  Mattabesett,  of 
the  one  part,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Wyllys,  Capt.  John  Tal- 
cott,  Mr.  James  Richards,  and  John  Allyn,  in  behalf  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Middletown,  on  the.  other  part,  wit- 
nesseth,  that  the  said  Sepunnamoe,  Joan,  alias,  Week- 
pissick, Machize,  Wesumpsha,  Wamphaneh,  Spunno, 
Sachamas,  Taccomhuit,  being  privy  to  and  well  acquain- 
ted with  Sowheag,  the  great  Sachem  of  Mattabesett,  his 
gift  of  great  part  of  the  township  of  Middletown  to  the 
Honorable  Mr.  Hanyes  formerly,  and  for  a  further  and 
full  consideration  to  us  now  granted  and  paid,  by  the 
said  Mr.  Samuel  Wyllys,  Capt.  John  Talcott,  Mr. 
James  Richards  and  John  Allyn,  have  given,  granted, 
bargained,  sold  and  confirmed,  and  by  these  presents  do 
fully  and  absolutely  give,  grant  and  confirm  unto  the 
said  gentlemen,  all  that  tract  of  land  within  these  fol- 
lowing abutements,  viz.  on  Wethersfield  bounds  on  the 
north,  on  Haddam  bounds  on  the  south,  and  to  run  from 
the  great  river  the  whole  breadth  towards  the  cast  six 
miles,  and  from  the  great  river  towards  the  west  so  far 
as  the  General  Court  of  Connecticut  hath  granted  the 
bounds  of  Middletown  shall  extend  ;  to  have  and  to  hold 


138  NOTE  A. 

the  aforementioned  tract  of  land  as  it  is  bounded,  -with 
all  the  meadows,  pastures,  woods,  underwood,  stones, 
quarries,  brooks,  ponds,  rivers,  profits,  commodities,  and 
appurtenances  whatsoever  belonging  thereunto,  unto  the 
said  Mr.  Samuel  Wyllys,  Capt.  John  Talcott,  Mr.  James 
Richards  and  John  Allyn,  in  behalf  and  for  the  use  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Middletown,  their  heirs 
and  assigns  forever ;  always  provided,  there  be  three 
hundred  acres  of  land  within  the  township  of  Middle- 
town  on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut  river,  laid  out, 
bounded,  and  recorded  to  be  and  remain  the  heirs  of 
Sowheag  and  the  Mattabesett  Indians  and  their  heirs 
forever  ;  as  also  one  parcel  of  land  on  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  formerly  laid  out  to  Sawsean,  shall  be 
recorded  and  remain  to  the  heirs  of  the  said  Sawsean 
forever,  any  thing  in  this  deed  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. And  the  foresaid  Sepunnamoe,  Joan,  alias 
Weekpissick,  Machize,  Wesumpsha,  Wamphaneh, 
Spunno,  Sachamas,  Taccomhuit,  for  themselves,  do  cove- 
nant to  and  with  the  said  Mr.  Wyllys,  Capt.  Talcott, 
Mr.  Richards  and  John  Allyn,  in  behalf  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Middletown,  that  they  the  said  Sepunnamoe, 
Joan,  Machize,  Wesumpsha,  &c.,  have  only  full  power, 
good  right  and  lawful  authority,  to  grant,  bargain,  sell 
and  convey  all  and  singular  the  before  hereby  granted, 
or  mentioned  to  be  granted  premises,  with  their  and 
every  of  their  appurtenances,  according  as  is  above  ex- 
pressed, unto  the  said  Mr.  Wyllys,  Capt.  Talcott,  Mr. 
Richards  and  John  Allyn,  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Middletown  aforesaid,  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever, 
and  that  they,  the  said  inhabitants  of  Middletown,  shall 
and  may  by  force  and  virtue  of  these  presents,  from 
time  to  time  and  at  all  times  forever^  hereafter,  lawfully, 
peaceably  and  quitely,  have,  hold,  use,  occupy  and  pos- 


NOTE    A.  139 

sess  and  enjoy  the  aforesaid  parcel  of  land  with  all  its 
rights,  members  and  appurtenances,  and  have,  receive 
and  take  the  rents,  issues  and  profits  thereof  to  their 
own  proper  use  and  behoof  forever,  without  any  let,  suit, 
trouble  or  disturbance  whatsoever  of  the  said  Sepunna- 
moe,  Joan  alias  Weekpissick,  Machize,  Wesumpsha, 
Wampaneh,  Spunno,  Sachamas,  Taccomhuit,  their  heirs 
or  assigns,  or  of  any  other  person  or  persons,  claiming 
right,  by,  from  or  under  us,  or  any  of  us,  or  by  the 
means,  act  consent,  privity  or  procurement,  and  that 
free  and  clear,  and  freely  and  clearly  acquitted,  exhon- 
erated  and  discharged,  or  otherwise  well  and  sufficiently 
saved  and  kept  harmless  by  the  said  Sepunnamoe,  Joan, 
Machize,  Wesumpsha,  Wamphaneh,  Spunno,  Sachamas, 
Taccomhuit,  their  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  of 
and  from  all  former  and  other  grants,  gifts,  bargains, 
Sales,  titles,  troubles,  demands,  and  incumbrances  what- 
ever, had,  made,  committed,  suffered,  or  done,  by  the 
said  Sepunnamoe,  Joan,  Machize,  Wesumpsha,  Wamp- 
haneh, Spunno,  Sachamas,  Taccomhuit.  In  witness 
hereof  they  have  signed,  sealed  and  delivered  this  writ- 
ing with  their  own  hands  the  day  and  year  first  above 
written. 


Signed,  sealed  and  de-  f^punnamoe 

livered  in  presence  of  us,  Joan,  alias      his 

Joseph  Nash,  Weekpissick,  mark 

George  Graves,  Mamar4ii«»   *  h[a 
Thomas  Edw-  ds,  Lchjze,  X  mark 

Robert  .c-ntbrd,  Wesumpsha  X  mark 

X^ark  Mamphaheh 


WannoaeXmhasrk  Spunno 

Tarramuggus  Xmharsk  Sachamas 

Puccacun   X^k  Tacumhuit 
Sachamas'      her 

mother   ^  mark 

12 


140  NOTE    A. 

The  original  is  entered  in  the  old  Court  Book  of  Re- 
cords, fol  70,  April  5th,  1673,  per  me,  John  Allyn,  Sec- 
retary. 


Middletown,  April  the  eighth,  one  thousand,  six  hun- 
dred and  three,  Pashama,  Rashiask,  Massecumb,  Robin, 
Pewamskin,  with  consent  of  the  natives,  who  signed  and 
sealed  the  deed  above  written,  were  acknowledged  to  be 
interested  in  this  land  reserved  to  them  therein  and  for 
themselves,  their  heirs  and  assigns,  did  and  by  these 
presents  do  give  grant  and  confirm  unto  the  inhabitants 
of  Middletown  their  heirs  and  assigns,  forever  all  their 
right,  title,  interest,  in  all  that  tract  of  land  granted  by 
the  above  written  deed  unto  the  said  inhabitants  of  Mid- 
dletown fully  and  largely  as  is  expressed  in  the  above 
written  deed,  as  witness  our  hands  the  day  and  year  first 
above  written. 

Signed,  sealed  and  deliv-     Rachiask's  X  mark. 

ered  in  the  presence  of  us,        Pashunna's  X  mark. 

Nathaniel  White,  Massakump's  x  mark. 

John  Hal\,  Robin's  X  mark. 

Samuel  Stocking,  Pewainpskin's  xmark. 

The  above  written  is  a  true  record  of  the  deed  of  the 

land  within  the  townbVip  Of  Middletown,  from  the  Indian 

proprietors. 

Per  me,  Jon*  HALL,  Recorder. 


In  the  copy  of  the  Indian  deed  by  Mr.  Hall  the^  js 
difficulty  in  reading  the  Indian  names,  and  some  of  them 
are  evidently  written  somewhat  differently  as  they  are 
repeated.  Sachamas,  (probably  a  title  rather  "than  a 
name,)  is  plainer  than  the  names  generally  and  the  last 
syllable  in  it  is  written  three  ways.  In  the  hope  that 


NOTE    A.  141 

the  original  in  the  Colony  Records  at  Hartford,  was  bet- 
ter written,  and  knowing  the  great  experience  and  skill 
of  the  clerk  in  reading  ancient  manuscripts,  a  request 
was  made  to  him  to  give  the  names  as  written  by  the 
Secretaiy.  The  following  is  his  answer  : 

"  The  names  of  the  Indian  grantors  in  the  deed  of 
1672-3,  as  recorded,  are  Sepunnamoe,  Joan,  alias  Week- 
pissick,  Machize  *,  [in  the  deed,  the  signature  Mama- 
chiz,]  Wesumpsha  *,  Wamphaneh  *,  Spunno,  Sacha- 
mas,  Taccomhuit,  [signature,  Tacumhuit  *,]  Witnesses 
(Indian,)  Nessehegen,  Wannoae,  Tarramuggus  *,  Puc- 
cacun*,  and  Sachamus'  mother*. 

In  the  Coginchaug  [Durham]  purchase  (24  Jan., 
16*72-3,  the  names  of  grantors  marked  (*)  above,  are 
spelled  in  the  same  way  ;  besides  these  Wannoe,  Tom 
alias  Negannoe,-Neseheag  squaw,  Spunno,  Sarah  Kem- 
hosh  squa,  Marragan's  mother,  and  Tahhows  squa,  [sig- 
nature, Tubhous  squa,]  join  in  the  grant.  Witness  Se- 
punnamoe, Nesehegen." 


(NOTE  B.) 

0Hgin)  of  e^llj  seft Jeirs,  befolre 
1670,  fijose  ty  %  tyffef 


While  it  is  very  evident  that  the  early  settlers  or  their 
parents  were  from  the  British  Isle,  and  that  they  were 
nearly  all  of  English  extraction,  there  is  not  a  little  dif- 
ficulty in  ascertaining  who  came  directly  to  this  place,  or 
almost  immediately  on  landing  this  side  of  the  Atlantic, 
and  respecting  others  where  they  lived  in  Massachusetts 
and  Connecticut  before  settling  here.  Dr.  Trumbull  in 
his  History  of  Connecticut  says,  "  that  the  principal 
planters  were  from  England,  Hartford  and  Wethersfield 
— that  the  greatest  number  were  from  Hartford,  and 
that  there  was  a  considerable  accession  from  Rowley, 
Chelmsford  and  Woburn  in  Massachusetts."  There 
were  also  some  planters  from  Windsor,  and  from  some 
towns  in  Massachusetts,  besides  those  which  he  names. 
Some  had  lived  in  several  places.  Various  circumstan- 
ces may  have  induced  individuals  to  dwell  here  and 
there  for  a  time  with  relatives,  connections  and  acquaint- 
ances, and  to  have  engaged  in  one  employment  and 
another,  even  where  they  did  not  themselves  become  pos- 
sessors of  houses  and  lands. 

With  respect  to  the  settlers  whose  names  do  not  ap- 
pear among  the  householders  and  proprietors  in  1670, 

*  12 


NOTE    B. 

William  Bloomfield  was  from  Hartford,  and  it  is  said  lie 
returned  thither  :  if  he  did,  he  afterwards  removed  to 
Long  Island.  Nathaniel  Brown  was  from  Hartford. 
He  had  five  children  born  to  him  in  Middletown,  from 
1G61  to  1669,  and  it  is  probable  that  he  died  in  the  last 
mentioned  year.  His  son,  Nathaniel  Brown,  2d,  lived 
in  this  place  after  him.  George  Graves  was  from  Hart- 
ford and  returned  to  that  place  :  while  here  he  was  elec- 
ted twice  a  Representative  to  the  General  Court.  Will- 
iam Markum  removed  to  Hadley,  Mass.,  and  died  there. 
What  became  of  John  Martin  is  not  known.  William 
Smith,  who  was  from  Wrethersfield,  removed  to  Farm- 
ington.  Matthias  Treat  was  also  from  Wethersfield  and 
died  before  1663,  leaving  a  family  which  removed  from 
this  place.  A  man  by  the  name  of  Joseph  Smith  died 
in  Rocky  Hill  in  Wethersfield  in  1673,  who  may  have 
been  the  same  person  who  dwelt  a  while  in  the  Upper 
Houses.  Robert  Webster  was  from  Hartford,  son  of 
Gov.  John  Webster  of  Hartford,  afterward,  of  Hadley, 
he  was  the  ancestor  of  the  late  Noah  Webster,  L.L.  D. 
While  here  he  represented  the  town  almost  continually 
in  the  General  Court. 

Inquiries  concerning  the  previous  residence  or  residen- 
ces, of  Thomas  Jlllen^  have  not  been  pursued  to  a  satis- 
factory result. 

Obadiah  JIUen,  was  recommended  by  the  elders  of  the 
church  in  Windsor,  which  renders  it  probable  that  he  at 
least  resided  in  that  town  for  a  time.  This  name  is  not 
always  spelt  with  an  c,  Allen  ;  in  a  town  record  book  it 
has  been  seen  spelt,  Alyn  and  Allj/n ;  on  the  old  Church 
Records  it  is  Alh'n. 

Nat/utniel  Bacon,  probably  came  directly  from  Eng- 
land. He  was  nephew  of  Andrew  Bacon  of  Hartford. 


NOTE    B.  145 

The  family  were  from  Stretton  in  England,  county  of 
Rutland. 

William  Briggs,  was  from  Wethersfield. 

From  whence  Alexander  Bow  and  William  Cheney 
came,  it  is  not  ascertained.  The  latter  was  a  represen- 
tative to  the  General  Court  in  several  instances. 

Jasper  Clement??  was  born  in  England  about  1614. 
He  died  here  in  1678,  aged  64,  leaving  property  for  sup- 
port of  schools  in  the  town. 

Henry  Cole  married  in  Hartford  in  1646.  He  was 
not  a  landholder  there,  but  may  have  been  a  resident. 
He  moved  from  Middletown  to  Wallingford  soon  after 
1670 ;  Edward  Higby  purchased  part  of  his  property. 

Nathaniel  Collins,  the  first  settled  pastor  in  Middle- 
town,  and  his  brother  Samuel  Collinsy  were  from  Cam- 
bridge, Mass.,  sons  of  Dea. Collins. 

William  Cornwall,  was  an  early  settler  in  Hartford, 
and  had  five  sons ;  three  of  whom,  John,  Samuel  and 
William,  jr.,  accompanied  him  to  Middletown.  It  is 
said  that  he  died  in  1677,  an  old  man. 

George  Durant  had  lived  in  Maiden,  Mass.,  and  pro- 
bably came  from  that  town  to  this  place. 

Samuel  Eggleston,  was  from  Windsor. 

Edward  Foster  ;  of  his  previous  history  I  have  no  in- 
formation. 

John  Hall  had  been  in  a  family  state,  many  years  be- 
fore he  left  England,  and  was  an  early  settler  both  in 
Hartford  and  Middletown.  His  three  sons,  Richard, 
Samuel  and  John  Hall,  jr.,  probably  came  to  Middletown, 
when  he  did.  He  died  May  26, 1673,  in  the  89th  year 
of  his  age.  John  Hall,  jr.,  was  the  good  deacon  men- 
tioned in  the  Address. 

Giles  Hamlin  is  generally  considered  as  coming  here 
immediately  from  England.  He  was  born  abont  1612. 


146  NOTE    B. 

He  was  in  the  habit  of  crossing  the  Atlantic,  and  was 
engaged  in  foreign  commerce,  "  partly  by  himself  and 
partly  with  John  Pynchon  of  Springfield,  his  brother-in- 
law  John  Crow,  jr.,  who  dwelt  in  Fairfield,  and  elder 
Goodwin  of  Hartford,  afterwards  of  Farmington."  He 
died  in  1689. 

William  and  Daniel  Harris  came  to  Middletown  from 
Rowley,  Mass. 

George  Hubbard  was  an  early  settler  in  Hartford, 
and  had  six  sons,  Joseph,  Daniel,  Samuel,  George,  Na- 
thaniel and  Richard.  The  two  oldest  sons  settled  in 
Middletown. 

This  George  Hubbard,  was  a  distinct  person  from  the 
George  Hubbard  who  resided  in  Wethersfield,  Milford 
and  Guilford.  The  genealogies  of  their  families  show 
this. 

Thomas  Hubbard,  who  became  a  settler  and  proprie- 
tor in  Middletown,  is  supposed  to  have  come  from  Weth- 
ersfield, as  there  was  an  inhabitant  eai-ly  there  of  that 
name.  He  died  in  1071,  and  whether  he  was  related  or 
not  to  either  of  the  George  Hubbards  just  mentioned  is 
not  known. 

John  Hurlburt  was  from  Wethersfield,  son  of  Thom- 
as Hurlburt  of  that  town. 

Isaac  Johnson  was  from  Roxbury  and  recommended 
from  the  church  there  to  the  church  in  Middletown. 

John  Kirby,  one  correspondent  states,  settled  first  in 
Boston,  and  it  may  be  that  he  landed  there  and  remain- 
ed for  a  short  time.  Another  correspondent  says  that 
his  first  child  was  born  in  Hartford,  and  a  third  that  he 
had  a  child  born  or  baptized  in  Hartford  in  164(3,  but 
adds  "  that  he  lived  in  Wethersfield,  and  had  children 
born  there  in  1649  and  1651.  From  this  town  he  re- 
moved to  Middletown.  In  1654  he  owned  a  house  and 


NOTE    B.  14T 

land  in  Rowington,  Warwickshire,  Eng.,  and  the  pre- 
sumption is  that  he  emigrated  first  from  that  place. 

Isaac  Lane,  I  know  not  from  what  place  he  came. 

William  Lucas.  There  was  a  William  Lucas  at  Mar- 
blehead  in  1648,  who  may  have  been  the  same  person 
that  came  here.  He  died  in  1690. 

Jlnthony  Martin.  There  was  an  early  settler  in 
Wethersfield  by  the  name  of  Samuel  Martin  ;  but  the 
point  has  not  been  investigated,  whether  Anthony  was 
from  that  town. 

T/wmas  Miller  was  recommended  to  the  church  in 
Middletown,  from  the  church  in  Rowley. 

Thomas  Ranney,  is  said  to  have  been  from  Scotland. 
He  was  married  to  Mary  Hubbard,  the  eldest  child  of 
George  Hubbard  of  Middletown,  in  1659,  and  had  five 
children,  Thomas,  John,  Joseph,  Mary  and  Elizabeth. 
He  died  Jan.  25th,  1713,  and  was  the  first  person  buried 
in  the  oldest  grave  yard  in  the  Upper  Houses. 

David,  Sa^c,  ie  caul  to  have  been  from  Wales. 

John  Savage  married  in  Hartford  in  1653,  and  may 
have  resided  there,  though  not  a  proprietor  in  that  place. 

Samuel  Stocking  was  from  Hartford  and  a  son  of 
George  Stocking. 

Samuel  Stow,  who  preached  to  the  people  in  Middle- 
town  some  years  as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  I  have 
very  lately  been  informed  by  a  friend,  was  not  born  in 
Concord,  Mass.,  as  represented  on  p.  48,  but  in  Roxbu- 
ry,  and  that  he  did  not  live  in  Concord,  until  after  he  be- 
came a  candidate.  The  probability  therefore  is,  that 
his  brother  Thomas  Stow,  if  not  his  nephew,  John  Stow, 
were  also  born  in  Roxbury,  Mass.  Samuel  Stow  died 
May  8,  1704, 

James  Tappin.  There  was  a  man  named  James  Tap- 
pan,  married  at  Guilford  to  Hannah  Garrett,  March  5, 


148  NOTE   B. 

1656.  But  it  is  doubtful  whether  this  was  the  same 
person  that  settled  in  Middletown. 

Edward  Turner  was  from  Milford,  and  had  two  or 
three  children  baptized  there.  His  wife  was  recom- 
mended to  the  church  in  Middletown,  from  the  church 
in  that  place. 

John  and  William  Ward  are  supposed  to  have  been 
both  from  Rowley.  The  former  was  recommended  from 
the  church  in  that  town. 

Jlndrew,  Robert  and  John  Warner,  were  sons  of  An- 
drew Warner,  who  emigrated  from  Hatfield,  Eng.,  about 
1630,  who  was  at  Cambridge  in  1632,  and  at  Hartford 
among  the  early  settlers.  He  was  a  deacon  in  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hooker's  church  and  an  influential  man  in  that  town. 
He  removed  to  Hadley  in  1659,  where  he  died  in  1684, 
at  an  advanced  age.  The  three  sons  in  Middletown 
were  farmers.  Andrew  Warner  died  Jan.  26th,  1582. 
Robert  repeatedly  represented  the  town  in  the  General 
Court ;  he  died  April  10th,  1600.  John  died  in  1700. 
The  Warners  in  rhpstor  »nJ  Lyme,  are  descendants  of 
Daniel  Warner,  one  of  their  brothers. 

Thomas  Wetmore  is  said  to  have  been  from  Wales. 
He  married  a  daughter  of  John  Hall  in  Hartford,  in 
1645  and  had  two  or  three  children  baptized  there.  He 
died  in  1681,  aged  66. 

Nathaniel  White  was  from  Hartford,  a  son  of  John 
White  of  Hartford  and  Hadley. 

John  Wilcox  was  from  Hartford. 

Further  investigation  may  show  that  some  of  th§sc 
settlers  whose  origin  we  have  not  stated,  were  from 
Chelmsford  and  Woburn. 


NOTE   B. 


149 


List  of    the    Householders  and   Proprietors,   as   taken 
March  22d,  1670. 


Thomas  Allen,         £103  10 

Joseph  Hubbard, 

38  00 

Obadiah  Allen,            30  00 

Daniel  Hubbard, 

24  00 

Nathaniel  Bacon,       119  00 

Thomas  Hubbard, 

61  00 

William  Briggs,           42  00 

John   Hurlburt, 

26  00 

Alexander  Bow,           45  00 

Isaac  Johnson, 

24  00 

William  Cheney,        101  00 

John  Kirby, 

88  00 

Jasper  Clements,          98  10 

Isaac  Lane, 

40  00 

Henry  Cole,                115  00 

William  Lucas, 

42  00 

Nathaniel  Collins,  "1 

Anthony  Martin, 

60  10 

this  stock  and  per- 

Thomas Miller, 

50  10 

son    with     £150  I  225  00 

Thomas  Ranney, 

105  00 

fiven  him  in  land  ] 

David  Sage, 

68  10 

y  the  town, 

John  Savage, 

129  00 

Samuel  Collins,            58  00 

Samuel  Stocking, 

113  10 

William  Cornwall,      160  00 

Samuel  Stow, 

194  00 

John  Cornwall,            41  00 

Thomas  Stow, 

54  00 

Samuel  Cornwall,        45  00 

John    Stow, 

24  00 

William  Cornwalljr.,  45  00 

James  Tappin, 

50  00 

George  Durant,            34  00 

Edward  Turner, 

44  00 

Samuel  Eggleston,       55  00 

John  Ward, 

44  00 

Edward  Foster,            26  00 

William  Ward, 

110  00 

John  Hall,                     99  00 

Andrew  Warner, 

84  00 

Richard  Hall,                75  00 

Robert  Warner, 

87  10 

Samuel  Hall,              130  00 

John  Warner, 

96  10 

John  Hall,  jr.,               26  00 

Thomas  Wetmore,     125  10 

Giles  Hamlin,              134  00 

Nathaniel  White, 

169  10 

William  Harris,          200  00 

John  Wilcox, 

140  00 

Daniel  Harris,            132  00 

George  Hubbard,        90  10            Total, 

£4,322  10 

(NOTE  C.) 

§i(efci}es  of  %  lotahs  ^d  Societies, 

fotoxj,  together  tohfy  iije  rise  of  31f- 
fcireiji  ^ei)oii)i^fioj]s,  lijeiii*  6tjqi"et|* 

es  ^»)c>  6.  0fficelrs  ;  J.isls  of  6ibii 
0fficeiis,  &c. 


The  territory  of  Middletown,  which  at  first  contained 
but  one  Ecclesiastical  Society,  the  business  of  which  was 
done  by  the  town,  as  there  was  but  one  denomination  of 
Christians  in  it,  now  contains  four  towns :  Middletown 
and  Cromwell  on  the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river,  and 
Portland  and  Chatham  on  the  east ;  the  first  of  which 
contains  three  local  Ecclesiastical  Societies,  or  which 
were  so,  until  within  a  limited  period,  and  which,  in  con- 
formity with  custom,  it  will  be  convenient  to  speak  of  as 
euch  still ;  the  second  and  third  contain  one  Society 
each,  and  the  fourth  one  whole  society,  most  of  a  second 
and  a  fraction  of  a  third. 

As  the  publication  of  the  exercises  in  November, 
1850,  has  been  unexpectedly  delayed  until  the  begin- 
ning of  1852,  an  attempt  will  be  made  to  bring  down  the 
statistics  in  this  note  to  the  present  time. 

We  will  begin  with  the  First  Society  in  Middletown, 
and  then  proceed  to  Middlefield  and  Westfield,  the  two 
other  societies  now  belonging  to  Middletown. 

The  First  Society  is  much  the  largest  of  the  three  and 
has  the  greatest  variety  of  soil  and  surface.     There  ig« 
but  little  alluvial  ground  in  it  and  yet  the  land  is  good 

13 


152  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 

vith  the  exception  of  that  on  the  range  of  the  Strait 
Hills  in  the  south  cast  part,  and  that  is  valuable  for 
wood.  Beyond  that  in  tlie  district  called  Maromos,  there 
are  arable  and  productive  lands  near  the  river. — 
There  is  much  rich  soil  in  the  society,  and  the  arable 
lands  here  and  in  the  vicinity  are  made  more  and  more 
productive  by  increasingly  skilful  cultivation,  helped  on- 
ward by  the  proceedings  and  anniversaries  of  the  Mid- 
dlesex County  Agricultural  Society. 

This  Society  includes  the  city,  where  a  large  part  of 
the  early  settlers  placed  their  habitations,  and  whence 
the  population  spread  in  different  directions.  Almost 
all  ttie  inhabitants  here,  as  in  the  rest  of  the  Society  and 
in  the  other  Societies,  for  a  considerable  period,  were  oc- 
cupied in  clearing  and  cultivating  the  ground. 

In  the  profitable  commerce  which  sprung  up  within 
the  limits  of  the  city  and  was  carried  on  with  the  West 
Indies,  about  the  middle  of  the  last  century,  Richard 
Ali-op  was  by  far  the  most  successful.  The  place  afford- 
ed great  advantages  for  carrying  on  this  commerce,  be- 
ing situated  on  the  largest  river  in  New  England,  having 
a  fine  harbor,  to  which  vessels  could  ascend  drawing  ten 
feet  of  water,  with  rich  towns  on  its  banks,  where  arti- 
cles suitable  for  the  West  India  market  could  be  easily 
procured.  Mr.  Alsop  knew  well  how  to  avail  himself  of 
these  advantages.  He  was  a  son  of  John  Alsop,  Esq., 
of  Newtown,  L.  I.,  afterwards  of  Esopus  on  Hudson 
river,  an  attorney  at  law.  He  was  educated  a  merchant 
in  the  store  af  Philip  Livings-ton,  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  and  about  IToUcame  to  this  town  and  commenced 
business.  He  had  his  store,  or  rather  stores,  in  the  low- 
er rooms  of  the  old  town-house,  or  court-house,  as  it  was 
sometimes  called,  standing  in  Alain  street,  a  little  above 
Washington  street.  He  scon  engaged  in  commerce,  and 
prospered  so  much  that  he  sometimes  insured  vessels  for 
others  on  las  private  responsibility.  He  was  a  man  of 
integrity,  generosity  and  public  spirit.  His  fellow  citi- 
zens repeatedly  elected  him  a  representative  to  the  Leg- 
islature. He  died  early  in  the  Revolution,  and  the  fol- 
lowing summary  of  his  estate,  is  from  the  Probate  re- 
cords. u  Amount  of  inventory  of  Richard  Alsop's  estate, 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  153 

£34,818:7:7,"  besides  "  a  large  amount  of  money  lodged 
in  Jamacia,  stock  in  two  partnership  concerns,  a  large 
number  of  book  debts  due,"  and  other  property,  t'.ie  va'uo 
of  which  could  not  be  ascertained.  The  record  of  this 
inventory  occupies  fifty-one  folio  pages. 

There  were  others  who  acquired  much  property  by 
commerce,  or  concerns  connected  with  it  before  the  Re- 
volution, though  by  the  events  of  the  war,  or  other  caus- 
es, they  did  not  all  die  rich.  Philip  Mortimer  came 
here  from  Boston,  sometime  before  the  Revolution,  and 
went  largely  into  the  rope-making  business.  The  in- 
ventory of  his  estate  was  <£6,177:7:8.  Mr.  Mortimer 
was  a  man  of  taste.  He  built  a  large  and  beautiful 
house  for  that  day,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  now  owned 
by  Capt.  William  G.  Hackstaff,  ornamented  a  tract  of 
several  acres  around  it,  planted  lines  of  button-ball  trees 
from  it  to  Main  Street,  made  a  walk,  placed  seats  by  it 
under  the  trees  and  threw  it  open  to  the  public,  which 
became  an  object  of  attraction,  not  only  to  people  of  the 
town,  old  and  young,  but  to  strangers.  When  a  portion 
of  the  French  army  in  the  Revolution  were  on  their  way 
from  the  cast  to  Washington's  encampment,  stopping 
over  the  Sabbath  in  Middletown,  the  officers  amused 
themselves  by  dancing  in  the  evening  under  the  shades. 
The  names  of  Washington,  Layfayette  and  other  inter- 
esting characters,  were  cut  in  the  trees. 

The  Revolution  having  come  to  a  successful  issue, 
commerce  began  to  revive  ;  and  that  this  might  be  pur- 
sued to  greater  advantage,  a  petition,  dated  Jan.  15, 
1784,  was  signed  and  presented  to  the  Legislature  the 
following  May,  that  a  part  of  Middletown,  where  com- 
merce had  been  principally  and  almost  wholly  carried  on 
before  the  war,  might  be  invested  with  city  privileges. 
The  signers  alledged  that  "  many  inconveniences  were 
felt  by  them,  as  well  as  by  strangers,  for  want  of  a  due 
regulation  of  the  police  of  the  town  ;"  and  that  keeping 
high  ways  in  good  repair,  removing  obstructions  from  the 
channel  of  the  adjoining  river  and  many  other  regula- 
tions for  the  commercial  convenience  and  utility  of  the 
memoi'ialists,  were  impossible  to  be  accomplished  with- 
out a  separate  and  special  jurisdiction.  The  petition 


154  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF   MIDDLETOWN. 

x 

was  granted  in  May  of  the  same  year  ;  and  at  the  samo 
session,  Hartford  and  New  Haven,  New  London  and 
Norwich,  were  constituted  citks. 

The  city  is  bounded  as  follows  :  "  Beginning  at  the 
mouth  of  Little  river,  or  Ferry  river,  thence  in  a  north- 
east line,  to  the  east  side  of  Connecticut  river,  at  high 
water  mark,  ther.ee  on  the  bank  of  the  said  Connecticut 
river,  at  high  water  mark,  until  it  comes  to  a  point  due, 
east  from  Sumncr's  Creek,  thence  in  a  west  line  to  the 
mouth  of  Sumner's  Creek,  thence  southerly  and  west- 
rely  as  the  said  creek  runs  to  Warwick's  Bridge,  thence 
west  to  the  Little  River,  [or  West  River,  as  the 
stream  is  sometimes  called,]  thence  northerly  and  east- 
erly down  the  Little  river,  as  the  same  runs  to  the  first 
boundary,  including  the  waters  of  the  said  Little  river, 
Sumner's  Creek  and  Connecticut  river." 

The  medium  length  of  the  city  may  be  a  mile  and  a 
half,  and  its  breadth,  exclusively  of  the  river,  which  va- 
ries here  from  97  to  80  rods,  is  about  the  same.  It  is 
to  be  lamented  that  the  petition  does  not  state  the  num- 
ber of  inhabitants  within  the  specified  bounds,  nor  give 
any  statistical  information.  But  it  is  well  known  that 
the  people  then  lived  very  generally  on  the  streets  run- 
ning parallel,  or  nearly  so,  with  the  Connecticut,  as  far 
back  as  High  street,  and  others  crossing  these  streets  at 
nearly  right  angles :  the  much  greater  part  on  the  east- 
ern half  of  the  streets  then  existing :  for  since  that  time 
Broad  street  and  some  other  streets  Lave  been  opened. 
Since  the  incorporation  of  the  city,  more  particularly, 
within  the  last  thirty  years,  the  western  half  has  in- 
creased proportionally  more  than  the  eastern.  And 
while  the  population  has  been  increasing,  many  new  build- 
ings have  been  erected,  some  of  large  dimensions  and 
improved  style  of  architecture  ;  seme  of  more  substan- 
tial materials.  The  general  appearance  of  the  city  lias 
been  greatly  improved  within  the  memory  of  many  per- 
sons now  living,  and  not  a  little  within  a  few  years. 
The  young  can  hardly  believe,  smooth  as  Main  Street 
now  is,  that  once  there  was  such  a  depression  in  the  road; 
in  front  of  the  McD'onough  House,  now  building,  that  a 
person  standing  there  could  not  see  over  a  rise  just  be- 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY   OF   MIDDLETOWN.  155 

low,   so  as  to  discern  a  load  of  hay  passing  a  bridged 
ravine  a  little  further  onward. 

In  1815,  there  were  in  the  city  two  hundred  and  nine- 
ty-nine dwelling  houses,  and  three  hundred  and  fifty- 
three  families  ;  in  1850,  there  were  six  hundred  and 
three  dwelling-houses,  and  seven  hundred  and  eighteen 
families.  At  the  former  period,  there  were  in  the  city 
five  churches,  attended  however,  by  people  from  all  parts 
of  the  First  Society,  one  Bank,  a  Court-house,  Goal  and 
Alms-house.  There  are  now  seven  Churches,  most  of 
them  attended  in  a  similar  manner,  and  one  or  two  re- 
ceiving many  of  their  attendants  from  beyond  the  limits 
of  said  Society,  frur  Banks,  a  Court-house,  Custom-house, 
Goal  and  Alms-house  ;  a  number  of  them  recently  built : 
there  are  also  the  University  buildings,  and  the  house 
for  the  High-school. 

The  Church  edifices,  the  University  buildings,  and  the 
High-school  House,  will  come  into  view  hereatter.  The 
first  Bank  edifice  was  erected  after  the  bank  was  grant- 
ed in  17U5,  and  was  so  constructed  that  the  stockholders 
might  have  a  safe  place  for  the  deposit  of  their  money 
and  the  officers  for  the  transaction  of  their  business. 
For  the  Banks  of  a  later  date,  buildings  were  purchased 
and  fitted  for  like  purposes.  These  are,  Middlesex 
County  Bank,  which  occupies  the  building  previously 
used  by  the  Branch  Bank  of  the  United  States ;  the 
Middlctoun  Savings  Bank,  and  the  Central  Bank. 

The  present  Court  House,  the  second  building  of  the 
kind  in  Middle  town,  since  the  County  of  Middlesex  was 
formed,  was  built  in  1832 :  Its  of  brick,  stuccoed  in 
front,  with  a  portico,  84  feet  by  50.  It  cost  $10,100, 
of  which  the  County  paid  $2,600;  the  City  $1,500; 
the  Town  $3,000,  and  individuals  $3,000  ;  it  being  all 
arranged  at  the  time  that  the  City  and  Town  were  to  en- 
joy certain  privileges  in  the  building.  Here  the  records 
of  the  City  and  Town  and  of  Courts  are  kept,  and  here 
is  the  Town  Clerk's  Ofiice. 

The  Custom  House  was  not  built  until  1834,  the  cus- 
toms being  previously  collected  in  buildings  hired  for  the 
purpose.    This  is  of  hewn  stone,  52  by  48,  the  first  story 
rests  on  brick  arches,  the  roof  is  zinc  and  fire-proof.     It 
*  13 


15G  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 

cost  $17,500,  all   of  which  was    appropriated   l>y    the 

United    States,  excepting  $500,  which  individuals  gave 

towards  the  purchase  of  the  site. 

U  ••ides  the  conveniences   which  this  huilding  affords 

for  the  collector  of  customs,  a  room  on  the  first  floor  is 

used  for  a  Post  Office. 

The  present  County  Goal,  was  built  in  1848.     It  is 

of  stone,  forty-four  feet  by  twenty-six,  having  twelve 

cells.     This  is  the  third  building  of  'the  kind  since  1784. 

Separately  from  the  land  which  the  town  gave,  it  cost 

$3,300.     The  County  paid   $2,800,  the  Town  $1,000. 

This  is  near  the  Alms-house  in  the  southwest  part  of  the 
city. 

The  Mms-House,  was  first  occupied  by  the  poor,  in 
May,  1814.  It  is  a  brick  building,  sixty  feet  by  forty, 
two  stories  in  front  and  three  in  the  rear,  which,  with 
the  ground,  two  and  a  half  acres,  fences  and  furniture, 
cost  $8,755.  . 

For  some  years  there  have  been  three  Taverns  in  the 
city — the  Central  Hotel,  the  Mansion  House,  and  the 
Farmers  and  Mechanics  Hotel.  The  Central  Hotel  is 
kept  for  the  present,  in  a  large  private  dwelling,  and  its 
former  site  has  been  purchased  by  the  McDonough  Ifotel 
Company,  formed  in  "May,  1851.  On  this  they  are  now 
building  a  Hotel,  which  already  bears  the  honorable 
name  of  the  "  McDonough  House.1"  It  is  fifty-six  feet 
in  front  on  Main  street,  and  sixty-six  in  the  rear  ;  one 
hundred  on  Court  street.  It  will  cost  about  $30,000  ; 
it  is  expected  to  be  completed  soon,  and  opened  in  June, 
^1852.)  The  whole  building  will  be  devoted  to  the  uses  of 
the  hotel,  excepting  two  stores,  in  the  first  story  on  Main 
street.  The  large  house  first  built  for  a  hotel,  corner  of 
Main  and  Washington  sts.,  belonging  to  the  estate  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis,  is  soon  to  be  opened  as  a  private  hotel. 
Most  of  the  mercantile  business  of  Middletown  has  al- 
ways been  done  in  the  city,  the  greater  part  on  Main  St., 
though  considerable  has  been  done  on  Water  street. 
This  has  been  fully  doubled  in  thirty  years,  notwith- 
standing the  rise  of  business  in  Meriden,  whence  many 
persons  fornvjrlj'-  cam_>  to  trade,  at  stores  here.  If  wo 
include  all  the  business  done  in  the  city,  mercantile,  me- 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  157 

chanical  and  manufacturing,  it  has  been  much  more  than 
doubled.  J.  &  D.  Hinsdale  did  a  very  large  business 
more  than  thirty  years  ago,  and  about  the  same  period, 
some  other  .merchants  traded  to  a  very  respectable 
amount.  But  there  is  now  a  greater  number  of  large 
stores. 

The  writer  is  indebted  particularly  to  the  kindness 
and  examination  of  a  friend,  for  the  number  of  stores, 
shops,  &c.,  at  the  present  time  (March  1852),  in  the 
city,  which  are :  seven  Dry  Good  stores,  four  Merchant 
Tailors',  five  stores  dealing  in  Shoes,  Clothing  and  other 
articles  ;  and  here  it  should  be  stated  that  several  Dry 
Good  stores  and  Clothing  establishments  carry  on  the 
tailoring  business,  twenty-nine  Grocery  stores,  two  Dry 
Good  and  Grocer}7,  three  Crockery,  two  Hardware, 
seven  Shoe,  four  Hat,  Shoe  and  Fur,  one  Hat  and  Shoe 
Store,  one  Hat  Manufactory,  three  Apothecary  stores, 
two  Book  stoics,  four  Printing  Offices,  and  two  Book 
Binders :  there  are  nine  Milliners'  shops,  three  Gold- 
smiths, two  Saddle  and  Harness  Makers,  six  Dentists, 
four  Carriage  and  Wagon  Makers,  two  Cabinet,  four 
Tinners,  and  six  Blacksmith  shops,  four  Butcher  Stalls, 
one  Bakery,  two  Tallow  Chandelery,  four  Lumber  yards, 
and  one  Sail  Loft.  Besides  the  Stores  in  the  city,  t.iere 
are  three  stores  just  beyond  its  limits,  in  which  Dry 
Goods  and  Groceries  are  sold. 

For  an  account  of  the  manufacturing  operations  in  and 
about  the  city,  and  also,  in  Middlefield  and  Westfield, 
the  reader  is  referred  to  the  preceding  account  of 
"  Middletown — its  Manufactories,"  by  Mr.  Gorham.  It 
should  be  born  in  mind  however,  that  since  the  facts  in 
that  account  were  collected,  there  have  been  changes  in 
the  establishments.  The  operations  in  them,  generally, 
have  been  on  the  advance.  This  is  true  particularly  in  the 
establishment  of  W.  &  B.  Douglas.  In  this,  there  were 
then  eighty  men  employed  ;  the  number  has  since  reach- 
ed to  one  hundred  and  twenty,  and  their  stock  and  whole 
business  have  been  increased  proportionally.  The  Car- 
bine, or  Gun  Factory,  of  North  &  Savage,  was  then  un- 
dergoing repairs.  It  has  since  been  put  in  operation. 
About  forty  hands  have  been  employed,  and  Carbines 


158  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 

made  at  the  rate  of  not  far  from  two  thousand  per  year. 
These  are  sold  mostly  to  the  Government  of  the  United 
States,  the  residue  at  private  sale,  amounting  in  all  to 
about  $30,000. 

We  have  said  that  city  privileges  were  sought,  that 
commerce  might  be  pursued  more  advantageously  from 
this  port.  Great  things  were  anticipated,  and  commerce 
did  flourish  for  a  time,  and  some  individuals  thereby 
greatly  increased  their  estates,  though  they  had  other 
sources  of  income.  Among  those  who  succeeded  the 
most  in  the  West  India  trade,  after  the  Revolution,  were 
Elijah  Hubbard,  Lemuel  Storrs,  Nehemiah  Hubbard, 
and  at  a  period  considerably  later,  Joseph  Wright  Al- 
sop.  The  inventory  of  Elijah  Hubbard's  estate  waa 
$144,971,91 — the  inventory  of  Lemuel  Storrs'  estate 
was  $47,308,  and  he  left  a  larger  amount  of  property, 
not  inventoried  here,  consisting  of  lands  in  the  State  of 
New  York  and  Ohio — the  inventory  of  Nehemiah  Hub- 
bard's  estate  was  $79,374,34 — and  he  possessed  large 
tracts  of  Western  lands — the  inventory  of  Joseph  W. 
Alsop  was  $47,002,^7. 

But  commerce  never  reached  the  prosperity  which  it 
had  before  the  Revolution.  Successive  adverse  events 
injured  it,  and  finally  the  trade  with  the  West  Indies, 
from  Middletown  was  lost,  and  from  the  Connecticut 
river.  Since  then  there  has  been  but  little  foreign  com- 
merce from  Middletown,  and  domestic  commerce  haa 
been  limited,  though  it  is  now  increasing. 

la  consequence  of  the  failure  of  Foreign  Commerce, 
numerous  enterprising  men  were  under  the  necessity, 
either  of  removal  to  other  places,  or  of  resorting  to  man- 
ufactures. Many  preferred  the  latter  alternative,  and 
the  result  is  the  rise  and  increase  of  the  manufactures 
to  which  we  have  referred. 

The  factories  generally  are  moved  by  water  power, 
though  the  large  establishment  of  W.  &  B.  Douglas, 
and  one  or  two  others,  are  moved  by  steam.  The  water 
privileges  of  the  town  are  very  great,  and  as  yet  but 
partially  improved.  The  streams  which  to  a  great  ex- 
tent bound  the  city  and  empty  themselves  into  the  Con- 
necticut, immediately  north  and  south  of  it,  are  invalua- 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLKTOWN.  159 

ble  for  manufacturing  purposes.  Dams  are  built  upon 
them  at  far  less  expense  than  on  larger  stream?,  and  are 
not  as  liable  to  be  carried  away  or  injured  by  floods. 

The  effects  of  drouth  on  these  streams  is  to  a  great 
degree  prevented  by  two  reservoirs  of  water,  one  of 
•which  is  secured  by  a  dam,  directly  on  the  outlet  of  Mil- 
ler's pond,  the  rise  of  Miller's  brook,  which  takes  the 
name  of  Sumner's  Creek  before  it  enters  the  Connecti- 
cut. The  other  reservoir  is  on  a  tributary  of  West  riv- 
er, in  Middlefield,  which  is  called  before  it  empties  itself 
into  Connecticut  river,  and  in  comparison  with  it,  Little 
River. 

On  the  north  side  of  the  Strait  Hills,  and  near  But- 
ler's Creek,  as  it  enters  the  Connecticut  river,  there  is  the 
mine  usually  called  the  Lead  Mine,  mentioned  on  p.  70, 
which  excited  a  good  deal  of  attention  before  the  Ameri- 
can Revolution,  and  on  which  foreigners  had  expanded 
large  sums  of  money.  In  May  1770,  "  Jabez  Hamlin, 
Matthew  Talcott  and  Titus  Hosmer,  were  appointed  a 
Committee  to  provide  stores  of  lead  as  they  should  judge 
necessary  for  the  use  of  the  Co'ony,  or  to  take  the  lead 
ore  raised  out  of  the  mine  ac  Middletown  and  refined 
and  fitted  for  the  use  of  the  Colony."  In  July  follow- 
ing, the  Assembly  ordered  them  to  work  the  mine. 
Tney  did  so,  and  put  up  works  for  smelting  and  refining 
the  ore,  which  were  completed  about  the  month  of  S  'p- 
tember  ;  and  at  this  time  high  expectations  were  raised 
of  providing  from  it  a  large  amount  of  lead.  In  Mirch 
and  July  of  the  following  year  orders  were  given  upon 
the  committee  to  furnish  quantities  of  lead  for  military 
purposes,  and  in  November  5th,  one  hundred  and  forty 
pounds  were  reported  to  be  in  the  hands  of  the  Commit- 
tee, and  Capt.  Samuel  Russell  was  added  to  the  Com- 
mittee to  procure  lead  for  the  State  and  to  work  the 
mine.  The  vein  ran  northerly  towards  the  river,  was 
followed  thirty  or  forty  rods,  arid  in  some  places  was 
very  rich.  But  the  vein  being  enclosed  in  granitic  rock 
it  was  very  difficult  to  get  the  ore,  and  as  it  approached 
the  river  it  sunk  abruptly  into  the  earth.  The  works, 
however,  were  continued  until  the  beginning  of  1778 — 
but  at  a  session  of  the  Assembly  begun  in  February 


160  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOVVN. 

of  that  year  a  report  was  made,  that  the  manufacture  of 
said  ore  was  unprofitable  to  the  State.  The  Committee 
were  therefore  ordered  to  discontinue  the  works,  after 
having  finished  the  ore  then  on  hand.  * 

The  ore  was  mineralized  with  sulphur,  and  a  man 
from  Pennsylvania,  by  the  name  of  Thomas  Bidwell, 
was  allowed  the  privilege  of  using  the  su'phur  ore  with- 
out charge.  It  was  partly  steel-grained  and  this  con- 
tained a  portion  of  silver,  and  partly  cubic  lead  ore,  the 
ore  also  contained  zinc. 

The  Committee  having  fulfilled  their  last  direction, 
the  mine  was  given  up,  and  nothing  has  been  done  in  it 
until  the  present  time ;  but  we  are  happy  in  adding  that 
Dr.  Eugene  Jl.  Frankfort,  who  came  the  last  year  to 
test  the  ore,  which  had  been  taken  some  months  previous 
from  the  Cobalt  mine  in  Middle  Haddam,  has  examined 
this  mine.  The  results  he  gives  in  a  communication,  re- 
cent'y  published  in  the  "  Sentinel  and  Witness,"  in 
JVJiddletown. 

"  Lead,  he  says,  though  present  [in  this  mine],  would 
never  alone  pay  the  expenses  of  mining  here,  as  there 
is  not  enough  of  it.  .But  there  are  several  other  metal- 
lic minerals  abundantly  found  in  the  quartz  veins  of  the 
Grauwacke  Rock,  which  lying  over  the  Gneiss  here,  on 
both  sides  of  the  creek,  stretches  as  far  as  the  river. 
These  minerals  are  well  worth  mining,  and  the  writer  of 
these  lines  is  just  about  erecting  mining  and  smelting 
works  here.  These  minerals  are  Argentiferous  Galena, 
containing  some  twenty-five  per  cent  of  silver.  Tlie 
heavy  deposits  of  Zincblende  will  be  manufactured  into 
white  oxyd  and  sulphate  of  zinc — the  former  of  which 
is  now  coming  into  extensive  use,  instead  of  white-lead, 
to  which  as  a  paint  it  is  far  superior.  The  latter  is  a 
well-known  mordant  in  all  dyeing  and  coloring  opera- 
tions. Sulphuret  of  Bismuth  occurs  here  also,  (along 
with  the  Galena  and  Zincblende,)  in  lead  colored  grains, 
and  as  this  metals  enters  into  the  composition  of  the  clin- 
ches for  stereotypes,  and  is  put  into  the  best  kinds  of  Bri- 
tannia Ware,  it  will  pay  for  refining.  Copper  Pyrites, 

*  See  Hinman's  American  Revolution. 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  161 

in  gold  yellow  nodules  and  of  great  purity,  is  found 
here  also,  and  the  copper  obtained  from  them.  Silver, 
the  preparations  of  Zinc  and  Bismuth,  will  form  the  ba- 
sis of  the  mining  operations  which  will  be  carried  on 
here.  Besides  the  above  mentioned  useful  minerals,  the 
Mineralogical  collector  may  find  here,  Iron  Pyrites,  Mis- 
pickel,  or  Arsenical  Pyrites,  and  fine  drusy  crystals  of 
common  quartz."  The  vein  of  the  metals  runs  in 
quartz  rock. 

The  old  works,  which  were  carried  on  near  by  in  the 
Revolution,  until  1778,  as  just  mentioned,  would  have 
been  profitable,  had  the  operators  been  searching  for 
minerals  more  generally,  and  had  they  known  how  to 
turn  the  Zincblend  into  use,  but  zinc  then  being  but  lit- 
tle employed  for  technical  purposes,  they  could  not  sepa- 
rate it  with  advantage  and  their  object  was  lead  for  use 
in  the  existing  war  with  Great  Britain. 

The  Feldspar  Quarries,  nigh  the  Middlesex  Turnpike, 
three  miles  eouth-easterly  from  the  city,  may  be  proper- 
ly mentioned  in  this  connection.  Concerning  these,  Dr. 
Franckfort  observes,  in  the  communication  from  which 
a  quotation  has  just  been  made  as  follows. 

"  The  Granite  is  here  partly  composed  out  of  a  very 
fine  white  or  pinkish  white  Feldspar,  which  has  been 
quarried  considerably,  arid  with  profit,  as  I  have  been 
told  ;  but  at  present,  quarrying  operations  have  been 
suspended.  The  Feldspar,  Avhen  not  mixed  with  Quartz 
or  Mica,  is  the  material  from  which  the  greatest  part  of 
China  Ware  and  Porcelain  is  manufactured.  Feldspar 
i?  a  Silicate  of  Alumnia  and  Potash.  Besides  the  com- 
mon Feldspar  found  here,  a  white,  shining,  crystalized 
variety  of  it,  called  Jllbite,  has  been  often  observed  also. 
Tiie  Mica  occurs  here,  as  in  the  above  mentioned  Colum- 
bite  locality,  in  large  foliated  layers  and  crystals,  some 
half  a  foot  in  thickness,  and  is  often  of  pitch  black  color. 
Columlite  has  also  been  found  here,  and  it  is  said,  in 
crystals  of  greater  beauty  and  larger  size,  than  those 
•which  we  obtain  from  Haddam.  This  Mineral  is,  however, 
now  very  rare  here.  The  Mica,  and  a  pinkish  variety 
of  it  called  Lepidolite,  of  this  locality,  contain  some  very 


162  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWK. 

fine  specimens  of  transparent  green  Tourmalines.  Red 
Tourmalines  have  also  been  found,  though  not  often. 
Jlpatite,  a  lime  containing  mineral,  is  frequent  in  green 
colored  nodules  and  crystals,  imbedded  in  the  Feldspar. 
Rutile,  an  almost  pure  oxyd  of  the  metal  called  Titani- 
um, has  been  obtained  here  of  such  beauty,  that,  accord- 
ing to  Dana,  it  formed,  when  cut  and  polished,  a  gem  of 
rare  brilliancy  of  lustre.  Its  color  is  a  splendid  brown- 
ish red.  Amongst  other  Minerals,  I  collected  here  a  few 
specimens  of  uranite,  in  small,  almost  microscopic 
scales,  of  a  lemon  yellow  color.  Large  rough  Beryls 
are  cotmnmon  here. 

From  the  above,  it  is  evident  that  these  Quarries  will 
pay  well  a  visit  to  them  ;  and  it  is  to  be  hopjd  that  they 
will  be  worked  again,  when  many  more  beautiful  miner- 
als will  be  brought  to  light,  that  rest  now  imbedded  in 
the  Feldspar." 

The  city  of  Middle  town  enjoys  advantages  for  the 
erection  of  buildings.  Free  stone,  or  rather  a  dark 
sand-stone  abounds  in  the  town,  and  as  early  as  1726, 
the  selectmen  were  directed  take  care  of  the  quarries  on 
the  West  side  of  the  river,  as  well  as  on  the  east  side, 
in  what  is  now  Portland.  The  first  quarry  opened  on 
the  west  side  is  within  the  limits  of  the  city  and  at  dif- 
ferent times  has  been  improved  to  a  considerable  extent. 
Some  of  the  stone  have  been  used  in  the  city  and  some 
have  been  carried  to  other  places.  Recently  the  Port- 
land stone  have  been  principally  used  ;  they  are  within 
eight  of  the  city  and  can  be  brought  to  it  without  much 
difficulty  or  expense.  A  large  brick  yard  until  within  a 
short  period,  has  been  improved  within  the  city  limits  ; 
a  better  one  is  now  improved  a  mile  or  two  beyond  them. 
As  for  lumber  so  far  as  the  town  cannot  furnish  it,  it 
can  be  brought  from  other  parts  of  the  country,  by  ves- 
sels or  by  cars. 

Besides,  the  facilities  for  intercourse  which  this  place 
has  with  other  parts  of  the  country,  by  the  river  and  by 
railroad,  it  has  others  by  turnpikes  and  public  roads  to 
neighboring  towns,  ami  through  them  to  others  beyond 
them. 

From  the  Post  Office  mails  are  sent  twice,  daily,  to 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  163 

New  York,  Hartford  and  Boston,  and  are  received  twice. 
A  daily  mail  passes  to  and  from  New  Haven,  Saybrook, 
East  Haddam,  and  Wethersfield,  and  intermediate 
places,  and  also  to  and  from  Portland.  A  mail  passes 
to  and  from  Lyme,  and  to  and  from  East  Hampton  on 
the  east  side  of  the  Connecticut  river,  thrice  weekly  and 
through,  the  intermediate  places.  By  these  and  other 
mails  the  inhabitants  are  enabled  to  maintain  perpetual 
intercourse  with  all  parts  of  the  country. 

But  the  great  object  of  the  Colonists,  who  settled  in 
Middletown,  as  well  as  in  other  parts  of  New  England, 
was,  to  enjoy  unmolested  the  right  of  worshipping  God 
according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences.  Let 
us  then  advert  to  their  ecclesiastical  proceedings,  to  the 
formation  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  ;  also  to 
the  rise  of  other  denominations  and  the  formation  of  their 
churches,  in  what  is  now  the  First  Society. 

In  the  address,  a  few  words  were  said  in  regard  to  the 
religious  character  of  the  early  settlers,  and  of  their 
employment  of  .-Mr.  Samuel  Stow,  graduate  of  Harvard 
College,  1645,  as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  and  of 
his  preaching  to  them  a  number  of  years.  For  some 
time  they  may  have  hardly  felt  themselves  able  to  settle 
a  pastor,  but  in  August,  1657,  they  voted  to  continue 
him  on  trial,  and  appear  afterwards  to  have  made  some 
further  advances  towards  his  settlement.  But  some  dif- 
ficulties arising  in  the  town  respecting  him,  a  vote  was 
passed  in  1659,  that  they  did  not  wish  to  continue  him, 
but  to  look  elsewhere.  In  1661,  the  difficulties  came 
before  the  General  Court,  which  declared  the  town  to  be 
free  from  Mr.  Stow,  as  their  engaged  minister  ;  and  the 
Court  appointed  a  committee  to  further  a  settled  minis- 
try in  the  place.  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  report 
of  the  committee. 

"  Whereas  upon  divers  agitations  before  the  General 
Court  between  Mr.  Stow  and  the  inhabitants  of  Mid  die - 
town,  the  Court  did  declare  that  the  Town  of  Middle- 
town,  are  free  from  Mr.  Stow  as  their  engaged  minister, 
and  the  Court  appointing  a  Committee  to  further  a  set- 
tled ministry  in  that  place — and  after  long  endeavors  bv 
the  people  there,  to  procure  them  a  minister,  there  ap- 
14 


164  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 

pears  a  probability  of  their  obtaining  of  Mr.  Collins  for 
that  purpose — the  Committee  doth  approve  of  their  pro- 
ceedings therein  and  of  his  acceptance  of  their  motion, 
and  according  to  the  mind  of  the  Court,  do  advise  both 
Mr.  Stow  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  Middletown,  to  a 
loving  carriage  to  Mr.  Collins  and  friendly  compliance 
with  each  other — that  the  memory  of  all  former  differen- 
ces may  be  wholly  buried,  and  that  Mr.  Collins  may 
have  all  due  encouragement  in  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
that  he  is  called  unto  in  that  place — and  that  the  long 
desired,  comfortable  and  peaceable  settlement  of  Mid- 
dletown may  be  obtained,  which  is  the  desire  of  the 
Committee  appointed  by  the  General  Court  to  promote 
the  settlement  of  the  ministry  there. 

MATTHEW  ALLEN,  in  the  name 

of  the  Committee. 

Hartford,  December  6,  1661." 

The  action  of  the  General  Court  appears  to  have  fin- 
ished the  business  respecting  the  settlement  of  Mr. 
Stow  in  the  ministry  in  Middletown,  and  the  people 
went  forward  according  to  advice,  and  at  length  with  en- 
tire unanimity  settled  Mr.  Collins.  But  in  1681,  ap- 
plication was  made  to  him  to  preach  in  Simsbury,  and 
he  supplied  the  desk  four  years.  In  May,  1682,  a 
"  Humble  Motion  of  Simsbury  men"  was  made  to  the 
General  Assembly  for  countenance  to  settle  themselves 
in  gospel  order,  and  at  that  time  it  was  expected  Mr. 
Stow  would  become  their  pastor.  But  as  his  term  of 
service  for  four  years  drew  towards  a  close,  he  desired 
of  the  inhabitants  an  "  answer  whether  they  would  con- 
tinue him  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  and  settle  him  in 
office  amongst  them."  They  did  not  see  cause  to  settle 
him  in  office,  but  seem  to  have  referred  the  matter  to 
him,  whether  he  would  continue  any  longer  in  the  work 
of  a  teaching  minister.  That  he  did  not  choose  to  do, 
any  farther  than  to  fulfil  his  existing  engagement.*  He 
then  gave  up  his  designs  of  the  ministry,  and  lived  in 
Middletown  as  a  private  citizen. 

But  we  proposed  to  give  an  account  of  the  formation 

*  History  of  Simabury,  Granby  and  Canton,  by  Noah  A.  Phelps. 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  165 

of  the  First  Congregational  Church  in  Middletown, 
which  had  been  contemplated  from  the  beginning  of  the 
settlement.  Numbers  of  the  settlers  were  members  of 
churches  in  the  place  from  which  they  came,  and  must 
have  greatly  desired  it,  but  the  matter  was  long  delayed 
by  circumstances.  The  people  of  the  town  as  a  body 
wished  for  it,  and  manifested  by  a  vote,  "  that  they 
were  willing  to  lay  out  themselves  in  all  regular  endeav- 
ors that  they  might  enjoy  God  in  all  his  ordinances 
among  them.  "  The  desires  of  all  were  gratified"  on 
the  4th  of  the  9th  month,  (the  4th  of  November,)  1668, 
when  the  fathers  of  the  Church,  ten  in  number,  owned  a 
confession  of  faith  and  entered  into  covenant  with  God 
and  with  one  another,"  with  the  approbation  and  con- 
currence of  the  honored  messengers  then  present,  sent 
from  the  respective  churches.  These  were  from  the 
Church  of  Christ  at  Windsor,  Hartford,  Farmington, 
andj  Northampton,  by  name,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hooker, 
Mr.  Mather,  Mr.  Whiting,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Chauncey, 
Deacon  Moore,  Deacon  Hart,  Deacon  Judd,  Deacon 
Hanckot,  John  Stanley,  John  Wadsworth.  Other  mem- 
bers of  Churches,  came  forward  afterwards  and  united 
with  this  church  ;  some  of  them  the  wives  of  these  ten. 

The  ordination  of  the  pastor,  Rev.  Nathaniel  Collins, 
who  had  preached  to  the  people  some  years,  followed, 
and  the  desires  of  the  Town  and  the  call  of  the  Church 
are  both  mentioned  in  the  brief  account  of  the  transac- 
tion as  follows  :  "  The  4th  of  the  9th  [month]  1668, 
being  the  day  of  our  ecclesiastical  embodying,  (the  town 
having  formerly  jointly  invited  to  and  desired  it,)  the 
Church  elected  and  called  Nathaniel  Collins,  to  the  office 
of  pastor  among  them,  promising  that,  if  desired  by  him, 
and  themselves  [should  be]  in  capacity,  they  would  pro- 
vide a  fellow  laborer  in  the  word  and  doctrine  :  whereup- 
on he  accepted,  and  at  the  request  of  the  church  was  or- 
dained by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Mather  and  Mr.  Whiting." 

The  views  of  the  Church  were  in  accordance  with  the 
Cambridge  Platform. 

January  20th,  1669,  "  the  Church  concluded  upon  a 
monthly  conference  to  be  kept  by  the  whole  body,  and 


Ibb 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWJT. 


occasionally  the  conference  day  to  be  improved  as  a  day 
of  fasting  and  prayer. " 

March  20th,  1670,  Thomas  Allen,  Samuel  Stocking, 
and  John  Hall,  jr.,  having  been  duly  elected,  "  were  or- 
dained in  the  office  of  deacons  in  this  particular  church 
of  Christ,  and  commended  to  the  grace  of  God  therein, 
by  prayers  with  the  imposition  of  hands." 

This  Church  has  had  seven  pastors.  The  first  four 
are  dead,  Rev.  Nathaniel  Collins,  Noadiah  and  William 
Russell,  father  and  son,  and  Enoch  Huntington.  Mr. 
Collins,  graduate  of  Harvard  College,  1660,  died  De- 
cember 28th,  1684,  aged  42.  Mr.  Noadiah  Russell,  a 
native  of  New  Haven,  was  graduated  at  Harvard,  1681, 
and  ordained  Oct.  24th,  1688.  He  died  December  3d, 
1813,  aged  54.  Mr.  William  Russell,  born  in  Middle- 
town  and  graduated  at  Yale  College,  1709  ;  succeeded 
his  father  as  pastor  of  the  church,  June  1st,  1715,  and 
died  June  1,  1761,  aged  70.  Mr.  Huntington,  native  of 
Windham,  graduated  at  Yale,  1759,  was  ordained  Jan. 
6,  1762,  and  died  June  12th,  1809,  aged  69.  Sketches 
of  these  ministers  are  given  in  tho  address. 

The  three  pastors  living  are  Rev.  Dan  Huntington, 
Chauncey  Allen  Goodrich,  D.  D.,  and  John  R.  Crane, 
D.  D. 

Mr.  D.  Huntington  is  a  native  of  Lebanon,  was  grad- 
uate of  Yale,  1794,  tutor  there  and  at  Williams  College. 
He  was  pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  in  Litch- 
iield  several  years  before  coming  to  Middletown,  where 
lie  was  installed  September  10th,  1809,  and  dismissed 
February  6th,  1816.  He  has  since  lived  in  Hadley, 
Massachusetts. 

Dr.  Goodrich  is  a  native  of  New  Haven,  graduate  of 
Yale,  1810,  and  tutor.  He  was  ordained  in  Middletown 
July  24th,  1816,  and  dismissed  December  23d,  1817. 
Immediately  after,  he  became  Professor  of  Rhetoric  at 
Yale  College,  where  he  is  now  professor  of  Pastoral 
Charge. 

Dr.  Crane,  native  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  graduate  of 
Princeton  College,  1805,  was  ordained  November  4th, 
1818,  and  is  the  present  pastor. 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF   MIDDLETOWN. 


167 


Mr.  Collins  admitted  to  the  Church, 

a  a 


"     N.  Russell, 
"     W.  Russell, 


E.  Huntington,  " 

"     D.  Huntington,  " 
-  •  -  u 

u 


Dr.  Goodrich, 
Dr.  Crane, 


-  76  persons. 

-  180  " 

-  305  " 

-  346  " 

-  98  " 

-  32  " 

-  539  " 


These,  with  ten  at  the  organization 

make  a  total  of  1586 

The  number  of  communicants  January  1st,  1852,  was 
309. 

DEACONS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


Thomas  Allen, 
Samuel  Stocking, 
John  Hall,  jr., 
Daniel  Markum, 
William  Suinner, 
Obadiah  Allen, 
Joseph  Rockwell, 
Boriah  Wetmore, 
Solomon  Atkins, 
John  Hubbar  1, 
Jonathan  Allen, 
William  Rockwell, 
lion.  Jabcz  Hamlin, 
Joseph  Clark,  Esq., 
John  Earl  Hubbarcl, 
Chauncey  Whittlesey, 
Jacob  Wetmore, 
Oliver  AVetmore, 
Timothy  Boardman, 
Matthew  T.  Russell.Esq. 
Thomas  Hubbard, 
Joseph  Boardman, 
Samuel  Eells,  2d., 
Henry  S.  Ward, 
Richard  Rand, 
Cyprian  Galpin, 
John  B.  "Woodford, 
Evan  Davis, 
John  H.  Sumner, 
Robert  P.  Rand, 
Selah  Goodrich, 

Sleeted. 
March  16,  1670. 

<l                          K 

«                 It 

About         1690. 
Aug.     11,  1695. 
May     31,  1704. 

May       5,  1713. 
Jan.        8,  17*3. 
May     26,  1743. 

April      6,  1749. 
Feb.       7,  1754. 
Aug.     16,  1765. 

Sept.    17,  1778. 
March    7,  1782. 
March    4,  1784. 
April      1,  1784. 
May       3,  1798. 
131° 

Died. 

Jan.      22.  1694. 

May     31,  1706. 

Oct.       27,  1742 

Oct.         5,  1748. 
March   12,  1753. 
Dec.        23,  1783 
July       28,  1765. 
April     25,  1791. 
April     21,  1778. 
July       27,  1782. 
March   14,  1812. 
Sept.     25,  1825. 
Dec.         1,  1798. 
May        5,  1792. 
Nov.      13,  1828. 
Aug.      27,  1828, 
Sept.     25,  1846. 
Moved  to  N.Y.  City. 
Resigned  Oct.  9,1844. 
June        9,  1844. 
Moved  to  N.  Haven. 
Moved  to   Windsor. 

May      16,  1812. 

Oct.      27,  1825. 
Dec.     27,  1828. 
July     22,  1840. 
July        2,  1844. 
Nov.    26,  1844. 
Nov.     18,  1846. 
May     22,  1&50. 
June     19,  1850. 

*  Did  not  act  as  deacon  for  sometime  before  his  death. 


*  14 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWJT. 

The  first  Society  formerly  had  very  considerable 
funds,  the  yearly  income  of  which  was  devoted  to  the 
support  of  the  gospel  among  them,  but  has  none  at  the 
present  time  ;  and  it  is  very  well  able  to  sustain  reli- 
gious institutions  without  them.  This  is  evident  from 
contributions  which  the  people  make  to  the  American 
Bible  Society,  Missionary  Societies,  foreign  and  domest- 
ic, and  other  institutions  of  a  similar  character.  These 
have^been  condsiderably  more  in  some  years  than  in  oth- 
ers, but  are  calculated  to  have  been,  for  twenty  years, 
$1,500  annually. 


Sketch  of  the  Strict   Congregational  Church^   now   the 
South  Congregational  Church  of  Middletown. 

About  the  time  of  the  great  revival  of  religion  in  New 
England,  and  in  other  parts  of  the  English  American 
Colonies,  in  1741  and  '42,  a  few  individuals  in  the  towns 
of  Wethersfield  and  Middletown,  embraced  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Strict  Congregationalists.  These  Avere  form- 
ed into  a  Church  in  Wethersfield,  Oct.  28th,  1747,  and 
Rev.  Ebenezer  Frothingham,  a  native  of  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  was  ordained  their  pastor.  But  as  the  principal 
members  in  Wethersfield,  Avithin  a  few  years,  emigrated 
into  the  State  of  New  York,  Mr.  Frothingham  came  to 
Middletown  and  Avas  installed  over  the  Strict  Congrega- 
tionalists living  here,  about  1754.  These  resided  in  the 
First  and  Fourth  Societies.  They  were  feAV  in  number, 
but  increased  considerably  under  his  ministry.  In  1788 
they  were  divided  into  tAvo  churches,  those  in  the  First 
Society  constituting  one  church,  and  those  in  the  Fourth 
or  Westfield  Society  constituting  the  other  church.  Mr. 
Frothingham  was  dismissed  about  the  time  of  this  divis- 
ion, but  remained  in  MiddlctOAvn  until  his  death,  Nov. 
30th,  1798,  at  the  age  of  81. 

Some  idea  of  the  strength  which  the  Congregation 
gathered  under  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Frothingham,  may  be 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  1G9 

formed  from  the  fact,  that  eighty  persons  under  date  of 
Oct.  13,  1788,  signed  the  following  agreement : 

"  We  the  subscribers  of  the  Second  Strict  Congrega- 
tional Church  and  Society  in  this  town,  believing  it  to  be 
our  duty  to  attend  the  public  worship  of  God,  and  sup- 
port a  gospel  minister,  do  agree  according  to  our  several 
abilities,  to  raise  such  supplies  as  shall  be  necessary  to 
render  the  life  of  a  gospel  minister  comfortable  in  order 
for  his  usefullness  among  us,  and  that  we  will  attend  a 
society  meeting,  annually,  on  the  last  Monday  in  Sep- 
tember, in  order  for  raising  such  supplies  as  shall  be 
necessary  for  the  comfortable  support  of  a  gospel  minis- 
ter. And  we  further  agree  that  we  will.-be  accountable 
to  this  church  and  society  for  any  neglect  of  fulfilling 
this  our  agreement — provided  always  that  no  force  of 
civil  law  is  to  be  used,  in  collecting  support  for  the  gos- 
pel ministry  among  us." 

The  names  appended,  placing  them  alphabetically,  are 
these  :  Anthony  Ames,  Joshua  Arnold,  Thamcr  Atkins, 
Ebenezer  Pierpont,  and  Benjamin  Bacon ;  Daniel, 
George,  Caleb,  Giles  and  Reuben  Barnes  ;  Solomon  and 
John  Bill ;  Solomon,  Samuel,  and  John  Edward  Blake  ; 
Amos  Bow,  Michael  Braddock,  Noah  Brooks,  Daniel  and 
Samuel  Clark ;  Jesse,  Joseph,  and  Ezra  Coe,  and  Jesse 
Coe,  jr.  ;  Cornelius  Cornwall,  John  Cotton,  2d  ;  John, 
Daniel  and  Samuel  Crowcll,  and  John  Crowell,  jr. ;  Jo- 
seph and  Israel  Driggs,  and  Joseph  Driggs,  jr.  ;  John 
Gilbert,  Enoch  Green,  John  and  Jonathan  A.  Hall,  and 
John  Hall,  jr.  ;  David  Harris  ;  Jacob,  Elias,  Oliver, 
Manoah  and  Enoch  Hubbard  ;  Trustam  Hull,  John  and 
James  Johnson,  Samuel  Lee,  Moses  Lucas,  jr.,  Ezekicl 
Lyman,  Ebenezer  Markham ;  Joshua,  Caleb  and  Peter 
Miller  ;  Robert  and  George  Paddock  ;  Aaron  Plumbe, 
Oliver  Prior,  Samuel  Redden,  Collins  Roberts ;  Collins 
S.,  Hinchman,  Aaron,  Noyce  and  Edward  Roberts ; 
John  Rogers,  jr.,  Samuel  Savage,  Elias  and  Nathan 
Sears,  Daniel  Sizer,  Nathan  Strong,  Jesse  Tryun,  Jona- 
than Turner,  Joseph  Ward  and  Joseph  Ward,  jr.,  John 
Wetmorc,  Daniel  and  Stephen  Whitmore,  and  Abel  and 
Giles  Wilcox. 


170  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 

On  the  3d  of  January,  1788,  the  Church  invited  Ste- 
phen Parsons,  a  native  of  Middletowntobe  their  pastor. 
He  accepted  their  invitation,  and  was  ordained  on  the 
31st  of  the  same  month.  He  was  dismissed  on  the  9th 
of  August,  1795,  having  changed  his  sentiments  on  the 
mode  and  subjects  of  baptism. 

Rev.  David  Huntington,  a  native  of  Lebanon,  and 
graduate  of  Dartmouth  College  1773,  who  had  been  pre- 
viously settled  in  Marlborough,  was  installed  the  pastor 
of  this  people,  Nov.  8,  1797.  He  labored  among 
them  until  Oct.  1800,  and  was  afterwards  settled  in 
North  Lyme.  He  was  a  man  of  ardent  piety. 

Rev.  Horatio  Thomas  McGeorge,  preached  to  the 
people  from  Oct.  27th,  1801,  until  Jan.  14th,  1802. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Graves,  a  native  of  East  Haddam, 
was  ordained  their  pastor,  Oct.  3d,  1803,  and  labored 
among  them  until  the  close  of  1811.  or  beginning  of 
1812. 

Not  far  from  the  time  of  his  dismission,  the  church 
was  dissolved  "  by  consent  of  the  brethren,"  and  the 
prospects  of  this  denomination  were  very  gloomy.  But 
on  the  llth  of  January  1816,  four  males  and  nine  fe- 
males, who  had  belonged  to  the  old  church,  were  formed 
into  a  new  church,  and  the  congregation  was  in  some 
measure  collected. 

Soon  after  this,  the  Rev.  Ahab  Jinlcs  was  procured  to 
preach  to  them,  and  on  the  7th  of  August,  1810,  was  or- 
dained by  the  Presbytery  of  Hudson,  with  which  he  was 
connected,  with  a  view  to  his  becoming  their  pastor. 
Under  his  ministry  the  church  received  large  accessions. 
But  having  been  appointed  by  the  Connecticut  Mission- 
ary Society,  to  labor  in  the  States  of  Ohio  and  Indiana, 
he  requested  a  dismission,  November,  10th,  1819.  The 
church  consented  to  his  fulfilling  his  appointment,  and  in 
case  he  should  then  "  desire  a  dismission,"  they  voted, 
"  it  shall  be  granted."  He  renewed  his  request  May 
17th,  1820,  and  was  dismissed  accordingly.  He  has 
since  labored  at  the  West. 

On  the  31st  of  May  1822,  Rev.  Thomas  T.  DeVerell, 
from  North  Stonington,  became  their  pastor  and  remain- 
ed with  them  about  a  year. 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  171 

Between  his  dismission  and  the  settlement  of  the  next 

pastor,  Rev.  Messrs. Dickinson,  George  Car- 

rington  and  others  preached  to  the  congregation.  Rev. 
Horace  Hooker  of  Hartford,  supplied  them  regularly  in 
1826,  and  until  September,  1827. 

In  the  month  last  mentioned,  Rev.  Edward  R.  Tyler, 
native  of  Guilford,  Ver.,  and  graduate  of  Yale  College, 
1825,  commenced  preaching  among  them,  and  was  or- 
dained and  constituted  their  pastor  on  the  27th  of  De- 
cember following.  His  influence  as  a  candidate  and  pas- 
tor was  very  great  among  them.  Many  old  members 
were  gathered  into  the  church,  some  united  with  it  by 
letter,  and  more  in  consequence  of  a  revival  in  1831. 
Young  and  enterprising  men  joined  the  Society.  But  in 
consequence  of  ill  health,  he  asked  for  a  dismission,  and 
was  dismissed  in  April,  1832.  He  was  afterwads  pas- 
tor of  the  church  in  Colebrook,  an  agent,  of  the  Ameri  - 
can  Antislavery  Society,  editor  of  the  Connecticut  Ob-  • 
server,  and  editor,  proprietor  and  principal  conductor  of 
the  New  Englander.  He  died  at  New  Haven,  September 
28th,  1848,  aged  48,  and  his  associates  in  the  last  men- 
tioned work,  in  the  last  number  for  that.year,  inserted  a 
very  interesting  obituary  notice  of  him.  • 

Rev.  William  H.  Beecher,  son  of  Rev.  Lyman  Beech- 
er,  D.  D.,  was  installed  pastor,  March  13th,  1833,  and 
dismissed  on  the  16th  of  ^the  succeeding  September.  He 
was  afterwards  pastor  or  stated  supply  for  a  time,  of  a 
church  in  Trumbull,  Ohio,  and  is  now  preaching  in  some 
part  of  that  State. 

Rev.  Robert  McEwen,  native  of  New  London,  gradu- 
ate of  Yale,  1827,  Tutor,  studied  theology  at  New  Ha- 
ven, succeeded  Mr.  Beecher,  May  7, 1835,  and  was  dis- 
missed August  8th,  1838.  He  is  now  pastor  of  the 
church  in  Enfield,  Mass.,  where  he  was  installed  Feb. 
16th  1842. 

Rev.  Arthur  Granger,  native  of  Suffield,  who  studied 
theology  at  Princeton,  and  who  had  been  pastor  of  the 
First  Congregational  Church  in  Meriden,  followed  Mr. 
McEwen,  April  24th,  1839.  He  was  dismissed  in  May, 
1844,  and  immediately  after  became  pastor  of  "  High 


172 

Street  Church,"  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  died 
Aug.  2,  1845,  aged  42. 

Rev.  Andrew  L.  Stone,  native  of  Oxford,  graduate  of 
Yale,  1837,  was  installed  Sept.  3d,  1844,  and  dismissed 
in  Jan.,  1849,  being  then  under  a  call  to  the  Park  Street 
Church  in  Boston,  where  he  was  installed  soon  after. 

Rev.  John  N.  Dudley,  native  of  Andover,  N.  H., 
graduate  of  Amherst  College,  who  studied  theology  in 
Newport,  R.  I.  and  in  Andover,  Mass.,  was  engaged  to 
preach  to  the  Congregation  in  Sept.,  1849,  and  still  sup- 
plies them. 

The  number  of  members  of  the  Church,  admitted  by 
each  of  the  successive  pastors,  cannot  now  probably  be 
found,  particularly  those  admitted  by  the  earlier  pastors. 

Mr.  Jinks  admitted,     -----       84  members. 

Mr.  Tyler  gathered  in  43  old  members, 
of  the  church,  and  by  letter  and 
profession  125  more,  total,  -  -  168 

Mr.  Beecher,     -------         4 

In  the  18  months  following,  when  there 
was  no  settled  minister,  there  were 
admitted,  - -16 

Mr.  McEwen  admitted,     -     -     -     -     02 

Mr.  Granger, 173        " 

Mv.  Stone,      -     -     -     -  _  -     -     -     -     82        " 

Since  Mr.  Stone's  dismission,  there 
have  been  admitted,  -----  11 

Total  from  the  commencement  of 

Mr.  Jinks'  services,  -----     600 

Of  those  admitted  since  the  beginning  of  Mr.  Tyler's 
services,  the  following  number  are  now  resident  mem- 
bers, viz  : 

Of  the  old  ones  gathered  by  Mr.  Tyler,  9,  and  of  the 
others  admitted  by  him,  19,  total,  -     28  members. 
Of  those  admitted  by  Mr.  Beecher,  1       " 

Of  those  admitted  between  his  dismission 

and  the  settlement  of  Mr.  McEwen,       4        " 

Of  those  admitted  by  Mr.  McEwen,     -  10       " 

"  "  by  Mr.  Granger,  -     58        " 

"  "  by  Mr,  Stone,  -     -    36       « 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY   OF   MIDDLETOWN.  173 

All  admitted  since  Mr.  Stone's  dismission,!!       " 

Total  of  resident  members,  Jan.  1,1852, 148       " 

The  number  of  absent   members  is  not  ascertained. 
The  number  of  families  connected  with  the  Society,  is 
118.  • 

The  records  do  not  show  who  were  the  earliest  dea- 
cons. John  Johnson  and  Ebenezer  Bacon  were  deacons, 
Oct.  13,  1788.  The  following  deacons  have  been  elected 
at  the  times  specified. 

Samuel  Spaulding,  April  15,  1818. 
Joseph  Lewis,  April,  9,  1825. 
William  Woodward^  March,  19,  1829. 
Josiah  Danforth,      )    .        98   1fioq 
Joseph  W.  McKee,  $  Au§'  ^>  1 

When  the  Strict  Congregationalists  first  arose,  they 
held  meetings  in  the  dwelling  house  of  their  minister, 
Mr.  Frothingham,  on  the  north  side  of  Mill  Street.  In 
1774,  they  built  a  meeting  house  on  the  east  side  of 
Main  Street,  56  feet  by  46,  now  changed  into  dwellings 
for  two  families.  The  present  church  edifice  was  dedi- 
cated June,  1830.  It  is  72  feet  by  55,  the  audience 
room  52  feet  square,  and  cost  $6,000.  In  1839  a  cu- 
pola and  bell  were  added  at  an  expense  of  $750  and  in 
1845,  the  galleries  were  lowered  at  an  expense  of  $350 
more  ;  the  expense  in  the  first  instance  being  borne  by 
subscription.  In  1851,  the  interior  of  the  house  was 
painted  in  fresco  by  subscription,  at  an  expense  of 
$500,  and  $1400  were  paid  on  an  old  debt. 

No  accurate  accounts  have  been  kept  of  the  contribu- 
tions for  public  benevolent  objects.  They  may  have 
been  annually  for  some  time  $150.  The  debt  of  the  So- 
ciety may  have  diminished  them. 

Only  one  mode  of  worship  was  statedly  observed  in 
Middletown  for  about  a  century  after  the  settlement  was 
commenced.  Now,  besides  the  Congregationalists,  sev- 
eral denominations  have  houses  for  their  worship.  We 
shall  give*sketches  of  them  in  the  order  in  which  they 
have  arisen. 


174  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF   MIDDLETOWN. 

Sketch  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

That  there  was  occasionally  Episcopal  worship  before 
1750  is  altogether  probable,  aside  from  tradition.  Rev. 
James  Wetmore,  a  native  of  the  town,  the  first  Con- 
gregational minister  of  North  Haven,  became  an  Episco- 
pal minister  about  1724,  and  it  is  very  likely  performed 
service  sometimes  in  the  dwellings  of  his  friends.  Jere- 
miah Learning,  a  native  of  the  town  at  a  later  period, 
an  Episcopal  clergyman,  may  have  done  the  same  be- 
fore 1750.  Before  that  time  some  of  the  inhabitants 
had  become  so  much  attached  to  Episcopal  forms,  that 
they  took  some  steps  to  secure  a  site  on  which  to  erect  a 
house  for  public  worship ;  to  the  building  of  which  Mr. 
Wetmore  most  earnestly  advised  them.  Hence  the  town 
voted,  April  29th,  1749,  "  that  the  professors  of  the 
Church  of  England,  have  liberty  to  erect  their  church 
in  the  highway,  between  Jaffries'  corner,  (so  called,)  John 
Foster's  corner,  and  the  dwelling  house  of  Mr.  Ephraim 
Doane,  and  the  selectmen,  or  any  three  of  them,  arc 
hereby  empowered  to  stake  out  the  place  for  the  said 
building." 

Many  years  since  the  writer  Avas  assured,  that  at  the 
close  of  1749,  there  were  sixteen  Episcopal  families  in 
the  town,  though  measures  in  due  form  do  not  appear  to 
have  been  taken  to  organize  a  parish  till  Easter  Monday, 
April  IGth,  1750.  A  church  was  erected  on  the 
site,  designated  in  the  vote  of  the  town  in  1752,  fifty 
feet  long  and  thirty-six  wide,  with  a  towering  steeple, 
though  not  finished  for  two  or  three  years.  This  was 
used  as  a  sanctuary  more  than  eighty  years  ;  when  the 
proflcr  of  a  thousand  dollars  from  the  Ladies  of  the  As- 
sistant Society,  prompted  the  gentlemen  to  the  work  of 
erecting  their  present  church  edifice.  This  was  com- 
pleted in  1834.  It  is  of  Portland  stone,  seventy-eight 
feet  by  sixty,  twelve  feet  porch,  and  cost  $14,000. 

A  bell  for  the  first  Episcopal  Church  was  procured  in 
1759,  and  a  second  was  given  by  Mr.  John  Alsop,  a 
wealthy  merchant  of  New  York,  brother  of  Richard  Al- 
sop of  this  place,  in  1785.  This  is  now  in  use  in  the 
present  church. 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  175 

For  many  years  the  people  were  aided  in  the  support 
of  their  ministers,  by  the  Society  in  England  for  the 
propagation  of  the  gospel  in  Foreign  Parts.  Rev.  Dr. 
Learning,  already  spoken  of,  and  Dr.  Richard  Mansfield, 
performed  at  least  occasional  services  for  them. 

Rev.  Ichabod  Camp,  a  native  of  Durham,  graduate 
of  Yale  1743,  divided  his  labors  between  the  Episcopa- 
lians here  and  in  Wallingford,  from  1752  until  1760. 
He  removed  to  Louisburgh,  Vir.,  where  he  was  murder- 
ed by  a  son-in-law.  In  the  triennial  catalogue,  his  death 
is  represented  as  having  occurred  in  the  last  mentioned 
year,  but  it  has  been  supposed  that  it  occurred  at  a  later 
period. 

Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  native  of  Norwalk,  and  gradu- 
ate of  Yale,  1761,  was  reader  for  the  congregation  from 
1761,  until  he  sailed  to  England,  for  orders,  in  the  au- 
tumn of  1763.  His  people  advanced  forty  pounds  ster- 
ling to  pay  the  expense  of  his  voyage.  Upon  his  re- 
turn he  entered  on  the  duties  of  his  ministry,  on  a  sala- 
ry of  ninety  pounds,  twenty  of  it  being  given  by  the 
Society  for  propagating  the  gospel.  He  continued  rec- 
tor until  1799,  two  years  after  he  was  elected  Bishop  of 
Connecticut,  and  then  removed  to  Cheshire,  afterwards 
to  New  Haven,  where  he  died  May  3d,  1813,  aged  75. 

Rev.  Calvin  White,  a  native  of  this  town,  graduate 
of  Yale  1786,  was  invited  in  Sept.,  1799,  to  become  rec- 
tor, and  performed  services  until  July  27th,  1800.  A 
like  invitation  was  given  to  Rev.  Joseph  Warren,  in  Oct., 
1800,  who  was  rector  until  Aug.,  1803.  Rev.  Clement 
Merriam,  was  rector  from  April,  1804,  till  April,  1806. 
For  some  six  months  afterwards,  Mr.  Samuel  Birge  was 
employed  as  a  lay-reader,  and  then  the  church  was  sup- 
plied by  preachers  employed  from  sabbath  to  sabbath, 
or  by  visiting  clergymen. 

On  the  3d  of  April,  1109,  Rev.  John  Kewley,  M.  D., 
an  Englishman,  educated  at  Eton  College,  Cambridge, 
who  had  practised  medicine  in  the  West  Indies,  and  in 
Pennsylvania,  but  who  had  taken  orders  and  been  minis- 
ter in  Chester,  in  Maryland,  was  called  to  the  rectorship 
and  soon  after  instituted.  His  ministry  was  both  very 
acceptable  and  very  profitable  to  his  parishioners.  But 
15 


176  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 

unhappily  for  the  parties,  though  with  their  consent,  the 
connection  was  dissolved  by  the  Bishop  in  March,  1813. 
In  the  same  year  he  was  duly  installed  rector,  in  St. 
George's  Church,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  the 
Rev.  John  Brady  assistant  rector.  Both  resigned  their 
charge  in  1816,  and  Dr.  Kewley  soon  after  returned  to 
England.  It  is  generally  understood  that  he  afterward 
went  to  Rome  and  became  connected  with  the  Catholic 
Church.  A  curious  fact,  confirmatory  of  this  is  given 
in  the  "  Life  of  Dr.  Milnor,"  *  his  successor  in  St. 
George's  Church. 

Birdsey  Glover  Noble,  native  of  New  Milford,  gradu- 
ate of  Yale  1810,  succeeded  Dr.  Kewley,  in  1813, 
though  then  in  deacon's  orders,  and  officiated  until  Sept., 
1S28,  when  he  resigned.  He  was  elected  rector  of  the 
church  in  Elizabethtown,  N.  J.  in,  March,  1829,  and  re- 
signed in  1833.  He  engaged  subsequently  in  teaching 
in  Bridgeport,  and  then  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
was  assistant  minister  in  the  church  of  the  Holy  Trini- 
ty. In  1849,  he  died  in  Bridgeport,  aged,  it  is  believed, 
about  58. 

Rev.  Smith  Pyne,  who  had  been  rector  in  Elizabeth- 
town  from  June  1st,'  1826,  till  December,  1828,  was  in 
the  course  of  the  month  or  year  last  mentioned,  elect- 
ed rector  in  Middletown,  and  entered  upon  his  services 
the  following  month,  but  in  August,  1830  resigned ; 
though  in  the  autumn  of  1831,  he  resumed  services  here 
and  continued  them  until  August,  1836.  He  is  now  set- 
tled in  Washington,  D.  C. 

In  the  interval  between  the  two  periods  of  Mr.  Pyne's 
services,  Rev.  George  Jones  was  invited  to  become  rec- 
tor, and  consented  to  serve  the  congregation  a  few 
months.  He  had  been  chaplain  in  the  United  States 
Navy  several  years,  and  then  two  years  tutor  in  Yale 
College,  where  he  was  graduated  in  1823.  His  services 
in  Middletown  were  highly  valuable  and  productive  of 
much  good.  But  his  health  not  allowing  him  to  dis- 
charge steadily  the  duties  of  a  parish,  he  again  accept- 
ed a  chaplaincy  in  the  Navy,  in  which  service  he  is  now 
acting. 

*  P. 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  177 

Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Farmer  Jarvis,  son  of  Bishop  Jar- 
vis,  born  in  Middletown  and  graduated  at  Yale  1805, 
was  elected  rector  April  llth,  1837,  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
John  Williams,  native  of  Deerfield,  Mass.,  and  graduate 
of  Trinity  College,  assistant  rector ;  but  Dr.  Williams 
was  afterwards  called  to  the  rectorship  of  the  Episcopal 
church  in  Schenectady,  where  he  officiated  until  called  in 
1849,  to  the  Presidency  of  Trinity  College ;  which  of- 
fice he  still  holds,  though  recently  elected  and  consecrat- 
ed assistant  Bishop  of  Connecticut. 

Dr.  Jarvis  resided  in  Middletown  until  his  death, 
March  29th,  1851,  aged  64.  He  was  rector  of  the 
church  in  Bloomingdale,  near  New  York  city,  and  of  St. 
Paul's  in  Boston,  before  settling  in  Middletown,  and  also 
a  professor  in  Trinity  College.  Dr.  Williams  preached 
at  his  funeral,  and  it  is  understood,  is  preparing  a  me- 
moir of  him,  which  will  of  course  give  an  account  of  his 
writings. 

Rev.  H.  B.  Sherman,  supplied  the  congregation  in 
Middletown  for  a  time  after  the  call  of  Dr.  Williams  to 
Schenectady,  but  was  not  rector.  He  has  now  the 
charge  of  the  church  in  Bellevue,  N.  J. 

Rev.  Edson  Wilson  WUtbank,  began  to  officiate  in 
Middletown,  April  llth,  1842,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  Horace  Hills,  February  llth,  1844. 

The  present  incumbent,  Rev.  F.  J.  Goodwin,  is  a  na- 
tive of  South  Berwick,  Maine,  graduate  of  Bowdoin  Col- 
lege 1832.  He  entered  upon  his  services  here,  August 
17th,  1845. 

This  church  has  passed  through  various  scenes.  It 
was  generally  on  the  advance  until  the  Revolutionary 
war,  when  it  was  involved  in  difficulties,  as  Episcopal 
churches  were  elsewhere,  by  the  connection  of  such 
churches  with  the  state  in  England.  The  rectors  gen- 
erally held  that  they  were  bound  to  pray  in  public  as- 
semblies, for  the  king  and  royal  family,  as  they  had  done 
aforetime,  in  a  manner,  which  the  great  body  of  the 
Americans  deemed  to  be  wrong  under  existing  circum- 
stances, and  which  after  the  declaration  of  independence, 
was  deemed  an  act  of  hostility  to  the  government  of  the 


178  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 

United  States.  Most  rectors  in  the  northern  and  middle 
States,  after  this  declaration,  closed  their  churches. 
The  venerable  Dr.  William  White  of  Philadelphia,  did 
not  follow  their  example,  and  in  his  Memoirs  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Churches  in  the  United  States,  (p.  77) 
he  undertakes  to  show  that  the  obligation  then,  to  pray 
openly,  and  by  name  for  the  king  and  royal  family,  was 
not  as  strong  as  most  of  the  rectors  thought  it  to  be. 
Whether  right  in  his  reasoning  or  not,  it  is  certain  Epis- 
copal churches  were  in  great  trouble  in  the  Revolution . 
But  after  the  war  was  over  the  Episcopal  church  in  Mid- 
dletown  revived.  The  people  connected  with  it  had  not 
been  confirmed,  there  being  no  bishop  in  America  to  per- 
form that  service,  until  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury  was  con- 
secrated Bishop  of  Connecticut,  in  Scotland  in  1784. 
On  the  17th  of  September,  1786,  this  Bishop  confirmed 
one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  persons  in  this  town,  a 
few  of  whom,  were  perhaps  from  neighboring  places. 

The  number  of  communicants  in  the  Church,  in  1799, 
was  47  ;  in  1810,  50  ;  in  1812,  84  ;  in  1814,  85  ;  in 
1,831,  90.  The  present  number  of  communicants  is 
about  180. 

Within  the  last  four  years,  Mrs.  Martha  Mortimer 
Starr,  now  deceased,  gave  $3,000  to  Domestic  Missions 
and  $3,000  more  to  Foreign.  Within  the  same  period, 
the  congregation  separately  from  her,  have  given  $972- 
87  to  the  first  of  these  objects,  and  $463  50  to  the  sec- 
ond ;  to  other  public  benevolent  objects,  $3,685  78  : 
total  $5>122  15. 


Sketch  of  the  Baptist   Church. 

Individuals  had  been  attached  to  the  sentiments  of  the 
Baptists  for  some  time.  The  First  Church  was  formed 
in  the  city,  Oct.  19th,  1795,  consisting  of  eleven  mem- 
bers, five  males  and  six  females.  This  has  enjoyed  the 
instruction  of  the  following  elders  : 

Joshua  Bradley,  a  native  of  Kingston,  Mass.,  gradu- 
ate of  Brown  University,  preached  to  them  for  a  time,. 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  179 

George  Phippen,  native  of  Salem,  Mass.,  and  gradu- 
ate of  the  same  institution,  preached  to  them  more  or 
less,  from  June  llth,  1812,  to  July  1816. 

Jeremiah  F.  Bridges,  a  native  of  Colchester,  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  Phippen,  and  preached  to  them  till  Oct.  3d, 
1818. 

Eli  Ball,  preached  to  them  from  Nov.  6th,  1818,  to 
May  4th,  1823  ;  James  Jl.  Boswett,  from  June  25th, 
1823,  to  the  close  of  the  year  ;  Daniel  Wildman,  from 
sometime  in  1824,  till  April  1st,  1825;  John  R.  Dodge, 
from  May  1825,  to  Nov.  1827. 

John  Cookson,  an  Englishman,  preached  to  them  from 
some  time  in  the  winter  of  1828-9,  until  1839  ;  Thomas 
Wilks,  from  1839,  to  sometime  in  1840,  and  D.  C. 
Haynes  from  May  1840,  till  Nov.  1841. 

William  G.  Howard,  a  native  of  Newburyport,  Mass., 
preached  to  them  from  some  time  in  1843,  to  Feb.  28th, 
1847.  He  has  since  been  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church 
in  Essex,  and  of  a  Baptist  Church  in  the  city  of  Alba- 
ny. He  is  now  preaching  in  Rochester. 

Beriah  JV.  Leach,  a  native  of  Middletown,  Ver.,  ed- 
ucated at  Madison  University,  N.  Y.,  commenced  servi- 
ces in  Middletown,  September  1st,  1848,  became  pastor 
March  2d,  1849,  and  ministered  to  the  congregation  ua- 
til  Aug.,  1851,  when  he  resigned. 

Meriwether  Winston,  accepted  the  pastoral  charge  in 
October,  1851. 

How  many  communicants  were  admitted  to  the 
Church  by  the  first  two  of  the  foregoing  elders,  is  not 
ascertained. 

Elder  Bridges,  admitted    -     -     -     -     31 
"      Ball,  "  -     ...     11 

"      Boswell,       " 2 

"      Wildman,    " 8 

"      Dodge,        " 22 

"      Cookson,       " 168 

"      Wilks,         " 15 

"      Haynes,       " 33 

"      Howard,       "      -----     39 
"      Leach,         "      -----     74 
The  number  of  Members  Jan.  1st,  1852,  was  339. 
*  15 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWNV 

The  Baptists  built  their  first  meeting-house  in  1809r 
fifty-three  by  thirty-eight  feet.  Their  present  house 
was  built  in  1842.  It  is  of  brick,  seventy-six  feet  by 
fifty-six,  and  cost  $12,500.  Towards  this,  Mr.  Robert 
Paddock,  a  brother  in  the  Church,  and  his  wife,  Mrs. 
Martha  Paddock,  paid  more  than  five  thousand  dollars. 
Since  her  husbands  death  in  May,  1845,  she  has  also 
given  $1,000  for  a  permanent  fund,  the  interest  of  which 
is  to  be  applied  towards  the  support  of  the  ministry. 

Regular  contributions  are  made  by  the  people  to  the 
American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  to  Foreign  and 
Home  Missions,  and  for  Ministerial  Education.  Contri- 
butions too  are  occasionally  taken  up  for  other  public  be- 
nevolent objects. 


Sketch  of  the  Methodist  E.   Church. 

Although  Methodist  preaching  was  begun  in  Middle- 
town  in  1789,  it  is  understood  first  in  Middlefield  ;  al- 
though a  circuit,  to  be  called  Middletown  circuit,  was  in 
contemplation  in  1790,  and  two  preachers  were  sent  to 
form  and  travel  the  circuit,  yet  the  Society  in  the  city 
takes  its  date  from  December,  1791.  The  circuit  was 
formed,  and  continued  a  circuit  until  1816,  when  Mid- 
dletown became  a  station,  or  separate  charge.  It  has 
been  attached  to  several  Districts,  as  New  York,  New 
London,  Rhinebeck,  New  Haven  and  Hartford,  which 
has  made  the  change  of  presiding  elders  greater  in  pro- 
portion to  the  time  allowed  for  services,  than  the  circuit 
and  stationed  preachers. 

The  Congregation  increased  rather  rapidly  before  the 
establishment  of  the  Wesleyan  University  in  the  city. 
It  has  increased  more  rapidly  since,  not  only  as  the  Fac- 
ulty, their  families  and  the  students  generally  are  con- 
nected with  it,  but  as  families  in  a  considerable  number 
of  instances  have  moved  into  the  city  for  the  sake  of 
helping  their  sons  the  more  conveniently  through  their 
classical  course.  This  is  evident  among  other  proofs, 
from  the  increase  of  communicants  in  the  church.  In 
1816,  the  number  was  112  ;  in  1826,  172  ;  in  1846, 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  18J 

when  the  University  had  become  quite  prosperous  515. 
It  should  be  stated,  however,  that  at  the  last  mentioned 
date,  the  number  was  unusually  large,  and  that  members 
in  Middlefield  then  belonged  to  the  Church,  as  well  as 
members  from  the  families  of  officers  in  the  University 
and  such  students  as  had  joined  the  church  by  letter  and 
profession.  Ever  since  1840,  about  sixty  students  have1 
been  communicants,  rather  more  than  half  being  profes- 
sors of  religion.  The  number  of  communicants,  Jan.  1 
1052  was  480. 

The  following  account  of  the  preachers  to  this  cluirch 
and  of  the  presiding  elders,  has  been  kindly  furnished 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Reid,  the  present  officiating  minister. 

Rev.  Jesse  Lee  first  preached  in  Middletown,  1789. 

1790.  He  sent  two  preachers  to  form  and  travel  the  circuit,  and  Daniel 
Smith  formed  the  first  class  in  Middletown. 

1791.  John  Allen  &  Dan'l  Smith  travelled  the  circuit,  Jesse  Lee,  P.  Elder 
1792    Richard  Swain,  Aaron  Hunt,  circuit  preacher,   Jacob  Brush,     " 

1793.  Joshua  Taylor,  Benj.  Frisbe,  "  Geo.  Roberts,    " 

1794.  Menzes  Raynor,  Daniel  Ostrander,     " 

1795.  Evans  Rogers,  Joel Ketchum,  Jesse  Lee,  P.  Elder. 

1796.  Joshua  Tayler,  Lawrence  McCombs,  "  S.  Hutchinson,  " 
1797    Michael  Coats,  Peter  Jayne,               "  "  " 
1798.  Augustus  Jocelyn,                                  "                          " 

1798.  Ebenezer  Stevens,  "  " 

1800.  James  Calernan,  Roger  Searles,  "  F.    Garretson,   " 

1801.  Elijah  Batchelor,  Luman  Andrews,  "  "              " 

1802.  Abner  Wood,  James  Annis,  "  " 

1803.  Abnor  Wood,  Nathan  Emory,  "  D.  Ostrander,    " 
1804    Ebenezer  Washburn,  N.  Emory,  "  " 

1805.  Ebc.  Washburn,  Luman  Andrus,  "                                            " 

1806.  Luman  Andrus,  Zalmon  Lyon,  "               Wm. Thatcher,  " 

1807.  W.  Thatcher,  R.  Harris,  O  Sykes,  "               Jos.  Crawford,  " 

1808.  James  M.  Smith,  Phineas  Rice,  " 

1809.  Nobel  W.  Thomas,  Coles  Carpenter,  " 

1810.  Oliver  Pykes,  Johnathan  Lyon, 

1811.  Zalmon  Lyon,  Jesse  Hunt,  Wm.  Anson, 

1812.  ^aron  Hunt,  Arnold  Scholfields,         "  Elijah  Woolscy, 

1813.  Elijah  Woolsey,  Arnold  Seholfields,  "  Nathan  Bangs, 

1814.  Wm.  Jewett,  Peter  Bussing,  " 

1815.  Wm.  Jewett,  Jonathan  Lyon, 

1816    Middfe'town  a  Station,  Tho's  Thorpe,  S.  Prea.  " 

1817-18    Marvin  Richardson,  "  E.  Washburn, 

1819-20.  William  Jewett,  "  " 

1821-22.  Phinehas  Cook,  "  Sam'IMerwin,' 


182 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 


1823. 

Josiah  Bowen, 

1824. 

" 

1825-26. 

Ebcnezer  Washburn, 

1827. 

Ileman  Bangs, 

1828. 

" 

1829-30. 

Thomas  Bur«h, 

1831. 

Fitch  Read, 

1832. 

" 

1833-34. 

Bartholomew  Creagh, 

1835. 

John  C.  Green, 

1836. 

Charles  K.  True, 

1837. 

Elisha  Andrews, 

1838. 

« 

1839. 

Francis  Hodgson, 

1840. 

" 

1841. 

Abiather  M.  Osbon, 

1842. 

" 

1843-44 

.  Edwin  E.  Griswold, 

1845. 

John  L.  Gilder, 

1846. 

James  Floy, 

1847. 

" 

1848. 

Zepheniah  N.  Lewis, 

1849-50 

.  Moses  L.  Scudder, 

1851. 

John  M.  Reid, 

Sani'l  Merwin, " 
"  Sain'l  Lucky,   " 

K  «  «« 

"  D.  Ostrander,    " 

"  Laban  Clark,    " 


Heman  Bangs,  " 
S.  Martindale,  " 


„ 


John  Lindsey, 
Fitch  Read,  " 
H.  Bangs,  " 
C.W.  Carpenter," 

S.  D.  Furgerson, 
Earth    Creagh, 


E  E  Gri.-\v..l,l, 
S.  Landon, 

J.  B.  Stratton, 

The  late  excellent  President  Olin,  was  in  the  habit  of 
giving  $100  annually  for  Foreign  Missions,  and  the  So- 
ciety, separately  from  him,  were  in  the  habit  of  giving 
about  $200  more.  Collections  are  taken  up  for  the 
Colonization  and  Seamen's  Friend  Societies,  and  for 
general  educational  purposes. 

The  society  built  their  first  Church  edifice  of  brick, 
in  1805,  42  feet  by  32,  on  the  north  side  of  the  South 
Green.  They  built  their  second  church  on  the  same 
site,  and  of  the  same  material  in  1828,  75  feet  by  55, 
height  of  wall  30 ;  audience  room  63  by  52 :  cost,  in- 
cluding steeple,  $7,500.  A  lecture  room  in  the  rear  of 
this,  also  of  briek  was  built  in  1851,  56  feet  by  40, 
audience  room  88  by  34  feet,  cost  $1600.  Immediately 
by  these  buildings  the  Society  have  a  parsonage. 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  188 

African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

This  church  was  organized  by  Rev.  James  Anderson, 
a  colored  clergyman  of  New  Haven  in  1828.  The  first 
trustees  were  Asa  Jeffrey,  Joseph  Gilbud,  E.  Deforest, 
G.  W.  Jeffrey  and  John  Hambleton ;  all  of  whom,  ex- 
cepting E.  Deforest,  are  now  dead. 

Their  church  edifice,  39  feet  by  31,  was  built  and 
dedicated  in  1829.  It  stands  a  short  distance  west  of 
the  University.  It  was  built  by  subscription  and  in- 
volved the  trustees  in  a  debt  for  some  years,  from  which 
they  are  now  free. 

The  average  congregation  consists  of  about  100  per- 
sons, 30  of  whom  are  communicants.  They  are  sup- 
plied with  preaching  by  Conference,  and  have  had  a 
very  efficient  Sabbath  School,  and  Temperance  Society. 
The  superintendant  of  the  school,  has  been  many  years, 
if  not  uniformly,  one  of  their  own  people — the  greater 
proportion  of  the  teachers,  12  in  number,  have  been 
whites.  The  scholars  on  an  average  are  about  50. 
The  Library  contains  281  volumes. 


Universalist  Church.. 

The  Universalists  in  Middletown  held  a  meeting  Nov. 
29th,  1829,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  themselves  into 
a  legal  society,  and  to  raise  funds  for  the  support  of 
preaching.  The  Lancasterian  School  house  was  hired 
by  them,  and  preaching  supported  in  it  for  about  ten 
years.  In  the  autumn  of  1838  committees  were  ap- 
pointed to  procure  a  site  for  a  church,  and  to  contract 
for  the  building  :  the  succeeding  year,  a  site  was  secured, 
and  a  church  raised  and  completed  on  the  south-west 
corner  of  Main  and  Parsonage  street.  This  is  70  feet 
by  52  ;  the  front  of  the  basement  is  used  for  stores,  and 
in  the  rear  there  is  a  conference  room  with  desk  and 
seats.  T,he  building,  with  the  site,  cost  about  $12,000. 
Several  individuals  united  and  gave  a  bell,  which  weighs 
1831  pounds. 

The  house  was  dedicated  in  October,  1839,  and  at 


184  SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN. 

the  same  time  Rev.  L.  S.  Everett  of  Baltimore  installed 
pastor. 

Mr.  Everett  Avas  called  to  Salem,  Massachusetts  in 
April  1841,  and  the  Rev.  Merritt  Sanford  of  Vermont, 
was  installed  his  successor  the  same  season.  Mr.  San- 
ford  becoming  unable  to  preach  by  a  bronchitic  affec- 
tion, an  arrangement  was  made  to  hire  a  supply  until 
he  should  recover  his  health,  but  some  dissatisfaction 
growing  out  of  the  arrangement,  he  asked  for  a  dismis  • 
sion  which  was  granted. 

September  15th,  1844,  Rev.  T.  P.  AMI  from  Hav- 
erhill,  Massachusetts,  was  settled  as  their  pastor,  and 
still  ministers  to  the  congregation. 

About  80  families  are  connected  with  ths  Society, 
and  from  25  to  30  persons  are  members  of  the  church. 

Contributions  have  been  taken  up  for  the  Bible  cause, 
and  for  Sabbath  Schools  among  their  own  denomination. 


Roman  Catholic  Church. 

The  oppressed  and  suffering  Catholics  of  Ireland  for 
some  years  past,  have  been  coming  to  this  place  and 
vicinity,  as  they  have  to  other  centres  of  business  in 
the  State  and  country,  seeking  employment  and  the 
means  of  support  for  themselves  and  their  families. — 
While  many  females  have  gained  their  objects,  in  the 
dwellings  of  inhabitants  here,  and  many  males  on  the 
farms  of  the  owners  and  cultivators  of  the  soil,  no  where 
within  a  considerable  distance  have  so  many  men  found 
employment  as  in  the  Portland  Quarries,  opposite  the 
north  end  of  the  city.  They  needed  a  house  of  worship. 
Accordingly  under  the  guidance  and  control  of  Rev. 
John  Brady,  their  pastor  at  the  time,  they  began  in  Oct. 
1843,  to  build  them  a  brick  church  of  respectable  size, 
fronting  the  North  Green.  This  was  soon  found  insuf- 
ficient to  accommodate  their  growing  numbers.  They 
therefore  under  the  guidance  and  control  of  their  present 
pastor,  Rev.  John  Brady  Jun.,  a  relative  of  his  prede- 
cessor, began  in  June  1850  to  build  a  much  larger  church 
of  Portland  stone,  of  Gothic  architecture,  on  the  site  of  the 


SOCIETY    AND    CITY    OF    MIDDLETOWN.  185 

previous  building,  which  is  now  very  nearly  ready  for 
consecration.  The  audience  room  contains  224  slips, 
and  though  there  are  no  side  galleries,  it  has  an  Organ 
gallery  sufficient  for  a  very  large  choir.  Thjis  exceeds 
in  size  any  other  audience  room  in  the  city,  and  in  beau- 
ty none  can  be  compared  with  it.  The  cost  of  the  church 
we  cannot  state. 


SKETCH  OP  MIDDLEFIELD. 


The  settlement  in  this  Society  was  begun  about  1700. 
The  earliest  settlers  were  Samuel  Allen,  Benjamin  Mil- 
ler and  Samuel  Wetmore  from  the  First  Society.  With 
these,  others  soon  united  from  the  same  society,  by  the 
name  of  Bacon,  Hubbard,  Stow,  Turner  and  Ward  ; 
from  Durham  by  the  name  of  Camp,  Coe  and  Lyman  ; 
from  Stratford  by  the  name  of  Birdsey ;  from  Guilford 
by  the  name  of  Bartlett :  persons  also  were  there  by  the 
name  of  Chilson  and  Hale.  When  the  Society  was  in- 
corporated in  Oct.  1744,  there  were  more  than  fifty 
families  living  within  its  limits.  The  names  of  the 
heads  of  these  families  were,  Samuel  Allen,  Sen.,  Sam- 
uel Allen,  Jr.,  Ephraim  and  Obadiah  Allyn,  Thomas 
Alvord,  Nathaniel  and  Joseph  Bacon,  John  Bartlett, 
John  Birdsey  and  John  Brown,  Abraham  and  Edward 
Camp,  John  Chilson  and  John  Chilson,  Jr.,  Joseph,  Da- 
vid and  Robert  Coe,  Gideon  and  Thomas  Cooke,  John 
and  Isaac  Doud,  and  Daniel  Driggs,  Jeremiah  Guild, 
Ebenezer  and  Joseph  Hale,  Eliakim  Hall,  Samuel  Stow, 
Hawley  and  Ebenezer  Hubbard,  Jeremiah  Learning, 
Benjamin  Miller  and  Benjamin  Miller  Jr.,  Joseph  Mil- 
ler, Sen.,  Ichabod,  Amos  and  David  Miller,  Moses  Par- 
sons, John  Rockwell  and  Daniel  Stow,  David  Strickland 
and  David  Strickland,  Jr.,  Stephen  Turner,  Sen.,  and 
Samuel  Warner,  Samuel  Wetmore,  Sen.,  Benjamin 
Wetmore  and  Benjamin  Wetmore,  Jr.,  Beriah,  Joseph, 
Thomas,  Daniel,  Caleb  and  Prosper  Wetmore,  and  Jo- 
siah  Wetmore,  jr.,  and  Titus  John  Whitmore.  The 
aggregate  list  of  all  these  persons  exceeded  £3,000. 

Almost  all  these  persons  were  farmers,  and  soon  after 
the  incorporation  of  the  Society,  the  population  reached 
a  point  from  which  it  did  not  greatly  vary  for  many 
years.  But  the  important  water  privileges  on  West 
river,  in  its  passage  through  the  Society ;  particularly 


SKETCH   OF   MlDDLEFSELDi.  187 

those  on  the  tributary  of  this  stream,  issuing  from  the 
mountains  on  its  western  border,  rendered  much  more 
valuable  by  a  large  reservoir  secured  by  a  dam  erected 
in  1848,  have  induced  numbers  to  engage  in  manufac^ 
tures.  Hence  the  population  has  been  increasing  for 
some  years,  and  more,  recently,  and  a  village  is  spring- 
ing  up  on  this  tributary.-  The  number  of  families  in 
Middlefield  in  1815  was  ninety-two,  and  the  number  of 
dwelling  houses  about  eighty-one.  The  families  in  the 
beginning  of  the  current  year,  (1852,)  were  one  hundred 
and  thirty-five,  and  the  dwelling  houses  one  hundred  and 
seventeen.  The  people  built  their  first  meeting-house, 
in  1745,  forty  feet  square.  But  at  what  time  the  church 
was  organized  does  not  certainly  appear,  as  the  ancient 
records  of  the  church  are  lost.  It  was  probably  organiz- 
ed by  the  same  Council  that  ordained  the  first  pastoi% 
Rev.  Ebenezer  Gould,  Oct.  10th,  1747. 

With  this  pastor  some  individuals  became  dissatisfied, 
for  reasons  which  do  not  now  fully  appear,  and  consid- 
erable disturbance  was  occasioned.  Still  he  remained 
pastor  until  about  1756,  when  he  was  dismissed.  He 
afterwards  removed  to  East  Granville,  Mass.,  where  he. 
died  in  1779.  The  senior  pastor  in  that  place,  Rev. 
Dr.  Cooley,  has  a  faint  recollection  of  having  seen  him 
in  the  last  hours  of  his  life,  when  he  was  too  much  ex- 
hausted to  speak  distinctly.  He  never  heard  of  Mr. 
Gould's  preaching  in  Granville,  in  a  single  instance. 
The  probability  is  that  his  ministry  ceased  when  he  was 
dismissed,  unless  in  some  rare  instances  he  preached  an 
occasional  sermon.  « 

After  his  dismission  the  people  in  Middlefield  made 
several  attempts  to  settle  a  minister  and  failed  ;  but  on 
the  28th  of  February,  1765,  they  settled  Rev.  Joseph 
Denison,  a  native  of  Windham  and  graduate  of  Yale 
College,  1763.  He  died  Feb.  12th,  1770,  aged  31, 

Rev.  Abner  Benedict,  native  of  North  Salem,  N.  Y., 
and  graduate  of  Yale,  1769,  succeeded  Mr.  Denison, 
Nov.  20th,  1771,  but  was  dismissed  1785,  that  he  might 
remove  to  New  Lebanon  in  the  State  of  New  York,  that 
a  feeble  daughter  might  enjoy  the  benefits  of  the  medic- 
inal waters  of  that  town,  where  he  was  installed,  and  la- 

16 


188  SKETCH    OF    MIDDLEFIELD. 

bored  in  the  ministry  six  years.  He  afterwards  preach- 
ed in  various  places  ;  but  died  at  Roxbury,  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Delaware,  Nov.  19th,  1818,  aged  78. 

Mr.  Benedict  was  a  son  of  Dea.  Peter  Benedict,  and 
brother  of  Rev.  Joel  Benedict,  D.  D.,  of  Lisbon,  after- 
wards of  Plainfield ;  and  of  Lieut.  Peter  Benedict,  an  offi- 
cer in  the  Revolutionary  war.  -  He  was  a  man  of  strong 
affections  and  an  able  divine.  While  in  Middlcfield  he 
accomplished  by  his  address  and  efforts,  the  fredom  of 
all  the  slaves  held  by  his  people. 

He  left  several  manuscripts,  on  .which  he  had  bestow- 
cd  much  labor,  particularly  a  dissertaion  on  the  book 
of  Revelation,  but  whether  any  of  these  have  been  pub- 
lished is  not  known. 

This  dismission  was  exceedingly  unfavorable  to  the  in- 
terests of  religion  in  Middlefield.  Had  he  remained 
there,  the  church  would  probably  have  been  great- 
ly strengthened,  and  the  society  united  and  prosperous. 
But  after  he  was  gone  the  Society  remained  vacant  more 
than  twenty  years.  No  minister  of  Christ  was  statedly 
in  the  desk  on  the  sabbath,  enlightening  and  establishing 
J,he  minds  of  the  people  in  the  great  truths  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  telling  them  on  week  days  from  house  to  house, 
words  whereby  they  and  their  children  might  be  saved. 
The  old  professors  of  religion  died  or  removed,  until  the 
church  Avas  almost  extinct. 

But  the  Lord  having  revived  his  work  in  the  neighbor- 
ing town  of  Durham,  and  this  having  spread  somewhat 
in  this  place,  the  church  Avas  reorganized,  or  rather  a 
new  church  was  formed  in  Dec.,  1808,  and  29  persons 
solemnly  entered  into  covenant  with  God,  and  with  one 
another.  A  fewT  of  these  had  been  members  of  the  old 
church,  the  others  were  those  who  had  recently  enter- 
tained hope  of  a  saving  interest  in  Christ. 

But  the  members  of  this  church,  and  those  disposed 
to  attend  worship  with  them,  had  no  meeting-house  of 
their  own,  and  difficulties  existed  in  the  way  of  their  oc- 
cupying the  old  meeting-house.  In  this  situation  they 
met  for  a  time  in  private  dwellings,  and  then  assembled 
for  worship  in  a  conference-house,  which  they  erected, 
until  they  found  means  to  build  a  sanctuary.  This  they 


SKETCH    OF    MIDDLEFIELD. 

raised  on  the  site  of  the  old  meeting-house  in  1841)  and 
dedicated  it  June  8,  1842.  This,  separately  from  the 
foundation,  cost  about  $2,000.  It  is  46  feet  by  38,  and 
for  this  a  bell  has  since  been  procured  at  an  expense  of 
$150. 

"  For  a  number  of  years  they  were  without  a  perma- 
nent ministry.  Sometimes  they  enjoyed  the  labors  of  a 
minister  for  several  months  together  ;  occasionally  they 
were  supplied  by  neighboring  ministers  ;  and  frequently 
were  destitute  of  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  on  the  sab- 
bath." 

On  the  24th  of  May,  1820,  Rev.  Stephen  Hayes,  of 
Newark,  N.  J.,  was  installed  their  pastor,  with  the  un- 
derstanding, that  he  should  preach  for  them  one  third  of 
the  time,  and  two-thirds  of  the  time  in  Westficld.  Thus 
he  labored  until  June  6,  1827,  when  he  was  dismissed. 

Rev.  James  Noyes,  of  Wallingford,  graduate  of  Un- 
ion College,  1821,  was  constituted  pastor  of  the  church 
July  23d,  1829,  and  devoted  his  whole  time  to  their  ser- 
vice ;  but  in  Jan.  1839,  was  dismissed.  Since  then  he 
has  been  settled  in  Burlington,  but  has  spent  most  of 
the  period  in  Haddam,  where  he  has  instructed  youth 
part  of  the  time  ;  sometimes  he  has  helped  his  brethren 
in  the  ministry,  and  sometimes  has  supplied  vacant  con- 
gregations. 

After  the  dismission  of  Mr.  Noyes,  the  people  were 
supplied  for  two  or  three  years  by  Rev.  Dwight  Seicard, 
who  had  previously  been  settled  in  New  Britain,  and  has 
since  been  settled  in  West  Hartford.  He  is  a  native  of 
Durham,  graduate  of  Yale  College,  1831,  and  graduate 
of  the  Theological  Depart ;  is  now  pastor  of  a  Dutch 
Reformed  Church  in  Yonkers. 

Rev.  James  T.  Dickinson,  native  of  Lowville,  N.  Y., 
graduate  of  Yale,  1286,  succeeded  Mr.  Seward,  and 
supplied  the  people  a  year  and  a  half.  He  was  for  a 
time  pastor  of  the  church  in  Norwich  city,  and  then  a 
Foreign  Missionary. 

December  30th,  1846,  Rev.  James  D.  More,  native  of 
Gorsham,  in  Wiltshire,  Eng.,  took  the  charge  of  the 
church.  He  was  dismissed  April  18,  1850,  and  install- 
ed in  Clinton  on  the  2d  of  July  following. 


190 


SKETCH    OF    M1DDLEFIELD.. 


Electtd.                   JJinl.               Ages 

Aug.     22,  1783. 

87. 

June      10,  1784. 

71. 

About        1774. 

March     1,  1804. 

77. 

Jan.     10,  1809. 

Dec.      16,  1836. 

81. 

April  28,  1838. 

H.                      11 

Oct.             1848. 

56. 

April     5,  1830. 

.Rev.  A.  V.  II.  Powell?  commenced  serving  here  in  Mar, 
1851,  and  is  the  present  supply. 

There  were  three  Deacons  in  the  church  before  its  re- 
organization, and  there  have  been  four  since,  viz : 

Ifhaliod  Miller, 
Joseph  Coe, 
'.lik-s  Miller, 
JVusper  Auger, 
\\rilhaia  Ly in. 'i n, 
1  Forace   Skinner, 
Pbinehas  Auger, 

While  the  church  has  been  blessed  at  times  by  the 
special  influences  of  the  spirit,  so  many  have  been  re- 
moved by  death  and  dismission,,  that  it  has  never  had  at 
one  time  more  than  eighteen  male  members,  nor  an  ag- 
gregate of  members  exceeding  sixty-eight.  This  was 
the  number  at  the  commencement  of  the  current  year, 
1852. 

The  church  and  their  associates,  (for  they  have  no  dis- 
tinct ecclesiastical  society,)  are  free  from  all  pecuniary 
embarrassment,,  and  besides  their  conference  and  meet- 
ing-house, have  a  parsonage,  which  cost  $1507  57  ;  and 
funds  for  the  support  of  the  gospel,  amounting  to  $1457. 
Of  the  latter  sums,  $200  were  given  by  Mrs.  Eunice 
Stow.  They  of  course  are  in  much  better  circumstan- 
ces than  heretofore  for  sustaining  religious  institutions. 

As  their  circumstances  have  improved,  the  contribu- 
tions of  the  congregation  to  benevolent  objects  have  in- 
creased. A  collection  has  recently  been  taken  up  of 
nearly  $100,  mostly  for  the  American  Missionary  Asso- 
ciation. Some  small  contributions  have  been  made  for 
the  Bible  Society  ;  and  the  Sabbath  School  the  last  year 
raised  a  few  dollars  for  the  Tract  Society. 


The  Methodist  Church. 

This  was  commenced  in  1791>  and  from  that  time  on- 
ward enjoyed  more  or  less  preaching.  In  1815,  the 
members  were  reckoned  with  the  members  of  the  M.  E.. 
Church  in  the  city,  and  perhaps  at  other  times.  The 
denomination  gathered  so  much  strength >  that  in  183,4 


SKETCH    OF   MIDDLEFIELD.  191 

they  built  a  church  edifice,  38  by  28  feet,  which  cost 
from  fifteen  to  eighteen  hundred  dollars.  They  have 
since  remodeled  it  at  an  expense  of  four  hundred  dollars 
more.  From  the  time  of  the  erection  of  this  building, 
they  have  generally  had  preaching  on  the  Sabbath.  For 
the  last  fifteen  years  the  communicants  on  an  average 
have  been  about  fifty-five  ;  which  is  the  present  number. 

There  are  now  six  school  districts  in  Middlefield. 
One  formed  in  1832,  has  recently  taken  the  name  of 
Falls  District,  because  it  includes  the  new  village  already 
mentioned.  The  number  of  children  in  the  Society,  be- 
tween the  ages  of  four  and  sixteen,  is  160. 

There  are  two  grave  yards  in  Middlefield.  The 
North  yard,  about  a  mile  above  the  churches,  was  laid  out 
in  1737,  and  is  nearly  filled  with  graves.  The  Central 
Grave-yard  is  on  elevated  ground  very  near  the  Metho- 
dist church.  It  was  purchased  by  the  Society  and  laid 
out  in  1828,  and  enlarged  in  1849.  It  is  laid  out  in  lots, 
separated  by  narrow  walks. 

This  Society  is  regarded  as  very  healthy,  and  the  pro- 
portion of  deaths  is  small  compared  with  the  population. 
The  average  annually  for  the  last  few  years  is  reported 
as  six. 


*  16 


SKETCH  OF  WESTFIELD. 


This-Socicty  lies  directly  north  of  Middlefield  and  is 
inhabited  generally  by  a  fanning  population,  though 
some  have  turned  their  attention  to  manufactures.  The 
first  settler  was  Edward  Higby,  who  lived  at  the  foot  of 
the  bluff,  which  from  him  is  called  Higby  Mountain. 
He  settled  there  about  1720,  perhaps  a  little  earlier,  and 
died  in  November,  1Y75,  aged  about  90.  The  other 
early  settlers  were,  Benjamin  Atkins,  Benjamin,  Na- 
thaniel, John  and  Joseph  Bacon,  Joseph  Cornwell,  Joseph 
Doolittle,  Samuel  Plumb  and  Daniel  Roberts,  from  the 
First  Society  of  Middletown  ;  John  Warner,  Israel, 
John  and  Jeremiah  Wilcox,  from  Cromwell ;  Joseph 
Clarke,  a  native  of  West  Haven,  Nathaniel  Churchell, 
from  Wethersfield  ;  Edward  and  Josiah  Boardrnan,from 
Glastenbury ;  David  and  Richard  Doud,  Asahel  Dudley 
and  Joseph  Graves,  from  Guilford. 

The  people  were  incorporated  as  a  parish  in  1766,  but 
did  not  build  them  a  house  for  public  worship  until  1773. 
In  this  year  they  built  one  48  by  38  feet,  which  they 
used  as  a  sanctuary  more  than  three  fourths  of  a  centu- 
ry. On  the  29th  of  December,  the  same  year,  the 
church  was  organized,  consisting  of  twenty-six  members, 
twenty-one  of  whom  were  received  from  the  church  in 
the  First  Society,  and  five  from  the  church  in  Cromwell. 
At  this  time  Rev.  Thomas  Minor,  a  native  of  Woodbu- 
i-y,  graduate  of  Yale  College,  1769,  was  ordained  their 
pastor.  He  sustained  this  relation  until  death,  April  28, 
1826,  aged  88  ;  but  was  so  enfeebled  in  the  latter  part 
of  his  life,  that  Rev.  Stephen  Hayes,  mentioned  in  the  ac- 
count of  Middlefield,  was  installed  May  24,  1820,  as  a 
colleague  pastor  with  him. 

Mr.  Hayes  preached  in  Westfield  two-thirds  of  the 
time,  and  more  than  a  year  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Mi- 
nor,  being  dismissed  June  6,  1827.  He  afterwards 
preached  in  North  Madison,  and  Exeter* 


SKETCH   OF    WESTFIELD.  _        193 

Rev.  Stephen  Toplijf,  a  native  of  Willington,  gradu- 
ate of  Yale  in  1825,  and  of  the  Theological  Department 
in  that  institution,  having  preached  sometime  in  West- 
field,  was  installed  May  27,  1829,  and  dismissed  Sep- 
tember 25th,  1838.  He  has  been  pastor,  since  Septem- 
ber 1st,  1841,  of  the  church  in  Oxford. 

Rev.  James  Hanmer  Francis^  native  of  Wethersfield, 
graduate  of  Yale  1826,  and  of  the  Theological  Depart- 
ment of  that  college,  who  had  been  pastor  of  the  church 
in  Dudley,  Mass.,  was  installed  in  Westfield,  Decem- 
ber 2d,  1840,  and  dismissed,  June  llth,  1845. 

Rev.  Lent  S.  Plough,  native  of  Wallingford,  educated 
classically  at  Bangor,  Maine,  and  theologically  at  Ban- 
gor  and  New  Haven,  was  pastor  in  Chaplin  and  in  North 
Woodstock,  and  stated  supply  in  North  Madison,  and  in 
Bethel  in  Danbury,  before  he  came  to  Westfield,  some- 
time in  1846,  where  he  was  stated  supply  until  his  in- 
stallation, February  10th,  1847.  He  is  the  present  pas- 
tor. 

There  have  been  two  hundred  and  ninety -four  mem- 
bers in  this  church  from  the  beginning ;  twenty-six  at 
the  organization,  ninety-two  admitted  by  Mr.  Minor, 
when  sole  pastor,  twenty-one  admitted  while  Mr.  Hayes 
was  colleague,  and  while  sole  pastor  after  Mr.  Minor's 
death ;  ninety-two  while  Mr.  Topliff  was  supply  and 
pastor  ;  thirty-three  by  Mr.  Francis,  and  thirty-eight  by 
Mr.  Hough.  The  number  of  members  January  1st, 
1852,  was  one  hundred  and  eighteen.. 

Deacons.  Elected.        Died  or  moved  from  Soc.    Age. 


Nathaniel  Boardman, 
Amos  Churchill, 
Samuel  Galpin, 
Jedcdiali  Wilcox, 
Sela'u  Galpin, 


About  1779. 

do. 

"  1794. 
Ap'l  30,1830. 
Ap'114,1843. 


April  9th,  1807. 
Became  a  Baptist  &  left. 
Sept.  21,  1842. 


64 

82 


The  people  built  a  new  house  for  public  worship,  in 
1849,  which  was  dedicated  in  December  of  that  year. 
This  is  64  feet  by  40,  and  exclusive  of  the  foundation, 
cost  $4,500.  This  sum  however  covers  the  expense  of 
the  bell,  clock  and  furniture. 

The  Society  had  a  fund,  raised  by  subscription  in 
1818,  about  half  of  which  was  lost  by  the  failure  of  the 


194  SKETCH   OF    WESTFIELD. 

Eagle  Bank,  in  New  Haven.     The  prcsenrfunds  of  tlic 
Society  are  : 

The  residue  of  that  fund,  about     $1,000  00. 

Appropriation  money,  27  79. 

Money  lent,  secured"  by  mortguagc,     250  00. 

Money  lent,  not  thus  secured,  200  00. 

Lands  given  by  the  late  Thomas 

Minor,  M:  D.,  estimated  at  570  00. 

Parsonage,  estimated  at  1,000  00. 

<  Total,  $3,047  79. 

The  contributions  made  by  the  people  to  benevolent 
objects  for  the  last  four  years,  have  been,  for  the  Bible 
cause  §100  54 ;  for  Foreign  Missions,  through  the 
AmericanBoard,  199  51 ;  for  Home  Missions,  $105  04  ; 
for  the  Tratct  Cause,  $93  48 — to  Avhich  may  be  added 
$10,  given  to  the  Sabbath  School  Union — total,  $508- 
57. 


The  Baptists  in  Westfield. 

The  Strict  Congregationalists  in  this  place,  spoken  of 
in  the  sketch  of  the  First  Society,  professed  themselves 
Baptists  in  1804,  and  were  formed  into  a  church,  which 
then  consisted  of  12  members.  Elder  Josiah  Graves 
was  their  pastor.  He  died  July  24,  1825,  and  after  his 
death  they  had  preachers  by  the  name  of  Higby,  Judd, 
Goodwin,  Wakeman,  Ballard  and  Baty. 

A  meeting-house  which  they  built  in  the  west  part  of 
Westfield  in  1312,  36  feet  by  26,  in  1840  was  moved  to 
near  the  site  of  the  Congregational  church,  and  repaired. 
For  two  or  three  years  the  Baptists  have  not  held  meet- 
ings by  themselves. 

In  1815  there  were  93  families  in  Westfield,  and 
about  81  dwelling  houses.  In  the  beginning  of  1852, 
there  were  l^u  "  •nilies  and  104  dwelling  houses.  There 
are  four  school-houses  in  the  Society,  but  the  children  of 
some  families  attend  school  without  the  bounds  of  the 
Society,  while  the  children  of  some  other  families  come 
from  beyond  the  l-^unds  and  attend  school  here. 


SKETCH    OF  WESTFIELD,  195 

There  have  been  four  Cemeteries  in  the  Society.  One 
is  wholly  abandoned  on  account  of  the  wetness  of  the 
ground,  another  is  nearly  abandoned.  Of  the  other  two 
one  is  not  far  from  the  churches  ;  the  other  is  on  West 
Street,  belongs  to  families  and  is  much  used. 

The  deaths  in  the  Society  for  the  last  ten  years,  have 
been  eighty -four.  In  some  years  the  mortality  has  been 
much  greater  than  in  others,  as  the  following  statement 
shows  :  In  1842,  there  were  7  deaths  ;  in  1843,  9  ;  in 
1844,  3  ;  in  1845,  8  ;  in  1846,  8  ;  in  184T,  9  ;  in  1848, 
4  ;  in  1849,  IT  ;  in  1850,  T  ;  in  1851,  14. 


PHYSICIANS  IN  MIDDLETOWN. 


In  the  Address  mention  is  made  of  Drs.  John  Cooper, 
John  Arnold,  Abijah  Moore,  Eliot  Rawson,  John  Os- 
born  and  John  0 shorn,  2d,  father  and  son,  and  John 
Dickinson,  as  physicians  in  Middletown.  All  these  are 
believed  to  have  lived  in  the  first  Society,  and  within  the 
limits  of  the  city.  Besides  these,  many  other  physicians 
have  resided  in  the  city,  of  whom  a  few  particulars  will 
presently  be  given.  Some  of  the  earlier  and  some  of 
the  later  physicians  obtained  their  education  in  litera- 
ture and  medical  science,  in  private,  and  others  at  pub- 
lic institutions.  A  greater  proportion  of  the  later  phy- 
sicians have  had  their  medical  education  at  institutions 
of  a  public  character.  Most  who  have  been  in  practice 
since  the  existence  of  the  Medical  Society  of  the  Coun- 
ty, have  been  members  of  it,  and  through  that  members 
of  the  Medical  Society  of  the  State.  A  part  of  those 
hereafter  named  are  dead,  some  live  here,  and  some  in 
other  parts  of  the  country.  Those  whose  birth-places 
are  not  spoken  of  are  regarded  as  natives  of  the  First 
Society  of  this  town. 

Ehenezer  Gilbert,  was  for  a  time  a  member  of  Yale 
College,  but  by  sickness  was  obliged  to  suspend  study 
and  leave  the  institution  before  the  time  for  taking  his 
degree.  He  afterwards  studied  medicine  with  Drs.  Ivcs 
and  Hubbard,  in  New  Haven,  but  completed  them  with 
Dr.  John  Dickinson  of  this  city.  During  a  part  of  the 
Revolution  he  was  surgeon  in  one  of  our  vessels  of  war. 
He  afterwards  went  to  the  West  Indies  for  his  health, 
settled  at  St.  Pierre,  in  the  island  of  Martinique,  where 
he  remained  twenty-five  years,  practising  his  profession 
during  most,  if  not  the  whole  of  that  period.  He  re- 
turned to  this  place  in  1813,  and  though  advanced  in 
years,  practised  considerably  here.  He  died  January 
17th,  1833,  in  his  78th  year. 


PHYSICIANS   IN    FIRST    SOCIETY.  197 

Ebenezer  Tracy,  native  of  Norwich,  studied  medicine 
and  surgery  with  Dr.  Turner  of  that  town  :  has  practis- 
ed medicine  and  surgery  in  Middletown,  since  1785. 

William  Brenton  Hall,  native  of  Wallingfied,  grau- 
ate  of  Yale,  1786,  studied  medicine,  and  probably  be- 
gan practice  here,  about  1790,  of  which  he  had  a  re- 
spectable share.  He  was  Treasurer  of  the  Medical  So- 
ciety of  the  State  from  1801,  until  his  death  in  1809. 

Dr.  Bennet,  an  Englishman,  practised  in  MiddletoAvn 
a  few  years. 

Thomas  Minor,  native  of  Westfield  Society.  See 
onward. 

William  Tully,  native  of  Saybrook,  graduate  of  Yale, 
1806,  M.  'D.,  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Mason  Fitch 
Coggswell,  of  Hartford,  and  spent  two  winters  with  Dr. 
Nathan  Smith,  at  Dartmouth  College.  He  began  prac- 
tice in  Milford,  practised  a  short  time  in  Cromwell,  and 
a  number  of  years  in  Middletown — practised  also  a  num- 
ber of  years  in  Albany,  in  partnership  with  Dr.  Alden 
March,  and  then  resided  in  New  Haven  twenty-one 
years.  He  was  Professor  in  the  Vermont  Academy  of 
Medicine,  for  fourteen  years,  where  his  department  for 
about  half  the  time  was  the  principles  and  practice  of 
medicine  solely,  which  required  one  lecture  a  day,  and 
for  the  other  half,  he  taught  in  addition,  Materia  Medi- 
ca  and  Therapeutics,  giving  two  lectures  a  day.  In 
New  Haven  was  professor  of  Materia  Medica  and  The- 
rapeutics in  the  Medical  Department  of  Yale  College, 
fourteen  years.  He  is  now  practising  in  Springfield, 
Massachusetts. 

Henry  Woodward,  native  of  Torringford.  See  on- 
ward. 

Isaac  Conkling,  native  of  East  Hampton,  L.  I.,  stu- 
dent of  Dr.  Ebenezer  Sage,  of  Sag  Harbor,  L.  I.,  at- 
tended lectures  in  Columbia  College,  New  York  City, 
practised  three  or  four  years  in  Portland,  about  as  many 
in  Oneida  County,  N.  Y.,  and  nine  years  in  Middletown. 
Died  in  Portland  February  24,  1824,  aged  44. 

Edward  S.  Cone,  son  of  Rev.  Salmon  Cone,  of  Col- 
chester, graduate  of  Middlebury  College,  1815,  student 
of  Dr.  William  Tully,  attended  lectures  in  New  Haven, 


!'.'>  PHYSICIANS    IN    FIRST    SOCIETY. 

had  good  share  of  practice  ;    died  February  13,  1831, 
aged  nearly  36  years. 

Frederic  Morgan.  See  Physicians  in  Middle  Had- 
dam. 

David  Harrison,  native  of  North  Branford,  student 
of  Dr.  Parker,  of  Wallingford,  graduated  M.  D.,  at 
Yale  College,  1825,  began  practice  in  Durham,  moved 
to  Middletown,  in  1829 ;  in  1837,  went  to  the  Spanish 
West  Indies  for  his  health  and  practised  there,  return- 
ing to  Middletown  in  1842. 

Joseph  Barratt,  an  Englishman  by  birth,  professor  of 
Botany,  Chemistry  and  Mineralogy,  in  the  Military 
Academy,  was  graduated  M.  D.,  at  Yale  College,  in 
1834.  Besides  performing  professional  duties,  he  has 
paid  much  attention  to  the  language  of  the  American  In- 
dians, and  various  branches  of  natural  science. 

Gurdon  H.  Parkis,  attended  lectures  at  Pittsfielil, 
and  was  graduated  M.  D.,  at  Williams  College,  in  1829. 
About  this  time  he  came  to  Middletown  and  practised, 
left  in  1833  ;  at  an  after  period  he  practised  dentistry 
in  Norwich. 

Chester  Parkis,  brother  of  Gurdon,  came  to  Middle- 
town  a  few  months  after  him,  and  left  about  the  same 
time.  He  afterwards  practised  dentistry,  in  Salem, 
Mass. 

Charles  Woodward,  M.  D.,  son  of  Dr.  Samuel  Wood- 
ward of  Torringford,  studied  medicine  with  his  father, 
and  with  his  brother,  Dr.  Samuel  B.  Woodward,  in 
Wcthersfield,  where  he  practised  in  1821,  then  ten 
years  in  Windsor ;  in  1832,  he  came  to  Middletown, 
where  he  has  since  practised. 

Samuel  Gray  South-may d,  M.  D.  graduate  of  Yale, 
1834.  After  practising  for  a  time  in  Middletown,  he 
settled  and  practised  in  New  York.  He  has  since  given 
up  his  profession,  as  a  principal  concern,  and  engaged  in 
other  business. 

Thomas  Miner,  M.  D.,  native  of  Stonington,  attend- 
ed lectures  in  Pittsfield,  practised  medicine  some  years 
in  West  Stockbridge,  and  then  in  Middletown  ;  is  now 
practising  in  Hartford. 


PHYSICIANS   IN   FIRST    SOCIETY.  199 

William  B.  Casey,  M.  D.,  graduate  of  Columbia 
College,  N.  Y.,  1833,  studied  medicine  and  was  grad- 
uated at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  began  practice 
in  New  York  in  1836,  and  in  Middletown,  1839  ;  was 
mayor  of  the  city  in  '51. 

Elisha  B.  JVye,  native  of  Sandwich,  Mass.,  gradu- 
ate of  Wesleyan  University  in  1835,  studied  medicine 
with  Dr.  Thomas  Miner,  2d,  of  Middletown,  and  in  New 
Haven,  where  he  was  graduated  M.  D.,  in  1837  ;  prac- 
tised in  Moodus,  a  village  in  East  Haddam,  from  1837 
till  nearly  the  close  of  1851 ;  is  now  settled  in  Middle- 
town. 

Hamilton  Brewer,  native  of  East  Hartford,  graduate 
of  Wesleyan  University,  1838,  graduated  M.  D.,  at 
New  Haven,  in  1841,  practised  in  Middletown  several 
years,  moved  to  Brooklyn  in  '51  ;  is  now  engaged  in 
insurance. 

Franklin  Woodruff",  native  of  Burlington,  studied 
medicine  with  Dr.  William  Brown  of  Collinsville,  and 
his  brother  Dr.  Lucius  Woodruff  of  New  Britain.  The 
degree  of  M.  D.,  was  conferred  upon  him  at  the  New 
York  University  in  1844,  and  in  the  same  year  he  set- 
tled in  Middletown>, 

George  W.  Burke,  native  of  New  Haven,  graduate  of 
the  Wesleyan  University,  1839,  studied  medicine  with 
Dr.  A.  Brigham  of  Hartford,  and  in  New  Haven,  where 
he  was  graduated  Doctor  of  Medicine  in  '43  ;  practis- 
ed in  Palmer,  Mass.,  has  come  to  Middletown  since  the 
commencement  of  the  current  year. 

Ellsworth  Burr,  native  of  Haddam,  Botanic  Physi1- 
cian,  who  studied  with  Dr.  Isaac  G.  Sperry  of  Hartford, 
has  practised  in  Middletown  and  vicinity  since  1837. 

William  C.  Bell,  Homcepathic  physician,  studied 
medicine  one  year  under  Horace  Ballard>  M,  D.,  of 
Chester,  Mass.,  and  then  mostly  under  Professor  Child, 
of  Pittsfield,  where  he  was  graduated  M.  D.,  in  1833* 
He  afterwards  practised  in  Austeriitz,  N.  Y.,  and  in 
Great  Barrington,  Mass.,  till,  '49,  when  he  came  to 
Middletown,  where  he  has  since  practised* 


17 


200  OBITUARY    OF    DR.    T.    MINOR. 

Physicians  in  Middkfield  and  Westfield. 

The  people  in  Middleficld  and  Westfield  have  depend- 
ed principally  for  medical  aid  upon  the  physicians  in  the 
First  Society,  and  in  other  adjoining  places.  About  the 
few  physicians  who  have  resided  and  practised  in  these 
places,  a  few  words  will  be  added  to  what  is  said  in  the 
address,  (pp.  95  and  6.)  Dr.  A.  Ward  practised  in 
Middlefield  a  few  years  only,  dying  August  12th,  1788, 
aged  32.  Dr.  J.  Hoadley,  native  of  Branford,  gradu- 
ate of  Yale,  1768,  practised  a  longer  period,  had  the  re- 
putation of  being  very  skilful  in  curing  the  cholic.  He 
died  March  2d,  1810,  aged  66*.  Dr.  Hatch  who  prac- 
tised in  Westfield  for  a  short  time,  and  then  moved  to  New 
Hartford,  and  afterwards  to  Granville,  Mass.,  though  a 
very  respectable  man,  engaged  only  in  part  in  his  profes- 
sion in  New  Hartford,  and  very  little  in  Granville.  A 
Dr.  Morris  is  said  to  have  practised  for  a  short  time  in 
Westfield,  about  1830,  who  moved  to  Mcriden,  and 
thence  to  Ohio. 


Thomas  Minor,  M.  D. 

There  are  published  accounts,  in  Williams'  American 
Medical  Biography,  of  two  of  the  deceased  physicians 
in  the  foregoing  list,  which  in  an  abridged  form  will  now 
be  given. 

The  first  is  an  account  of  Dr.  Thomas  Minor,  son  of 
Rev.  Thomas  Minor,  of  the  parish  of  Westfield.  This 
is  mostly  autobiographical ;  the  rest  is  from  the  pen  of 
Dr.  S.  B.  Woodward,  who  well  knew  him.  The  whole 
is  much  too  long  for  insertion.  But  it  is  due  to  the 
standing  of  Dr.  Minor,  that  some  facts  should  be  here 
given  concerning  him.  He  was  born  Oct.  15th,  1777, 
and  in  childhood  and  early  youth  suffered  much  from 
feebleness  and  disease,  but  entered  Yale  College  in  1792, 

*  Phineas  Miller,  a  native  of  Middkfield,  and  brother  of  the  Hon. 
Asher  Miller,  who  studied  medicine  with  the  2il  Dr.  John  Osbone,  settled 
in  Norwalk,  and  had  a  large  practice.  He  has  been  dead  more  than  twen- 
ty years. 


OBITUARY    OF    DR.   T.    MINOR.  201 

when  he  was  about  fifteen  years  of  age,  and  was  gradu- 
ated in  1796.  He  speaks  very  modestly  of  his  attain- 
ments in  College,  and  though  the  four  years  "  were  far 
from  being  trifled  away  or  lost,"  he  declares  they  were 
spent  under  very  great  and  permanent  disadvantages, 
and  expresses  the  opinion  that  he  "  did  not  acquire  half 
the  solid  learning"  he  might  have  done  "  had  he  been 
two  years  older  and  proportionally  better  prepared." 
During  the  five  or  six  years  following,  it  is  believed  that 
his  scholarship  was  greatly  improved  in  accuracy  and 
amount,  by  teaching,  and  at  the  same  time  studying 
himself.  During  this  period  he  taught  an  academy  for 
about  three  years  in  Goshen,  N.  Y.,  and  then  another 
about  two  years  in  Berlin,  though  in  the  meanwhile  he 
was  visited  once  and  again  by  disease  in  some  of  its 
forms.  When  about  twenty -five,  he  commenced  the 
study  of  medicine  under  Dr.  John  Osborne,  engaging 
also  in  the  instruction  of  youth,  and  in  the  beginning  of 
1807  he  entered  upon  his  profession.  From  some  time 
in  1808  into  '10,  he  was  in  full  practice  in  the  town  of 
Lynn,  Mass.,  whence  he  removed  to  Lyme,  in  this  State 
and  thence  to  the  city  of  Middletown,  where  and  in  the 
vicinity  he  had  for  a  number  of  years,  "  as  much  pro- 
fessional business  as  he  could  attend  to,  and  more  than 
his  health  would  bear."  In  Feb.  1819,  "  he  was  seized 
with  an  affection  of  the  lungs  and  heart,  which  suddenly 
ended  in  a  great  degree,"  his  "  professional  career,  and 
left  him  a  confirmed  valetudinarian  at  the  premature  age 
of  forty-one,"  though  for  several  years  after  he  "  prac- 
tised some  in  consultation,  and  amused  "  himself  in  read- 
ing two  or  three  foreign  languages,  besides  writing  occa- 
sional medical  and  literary  essays,"  which  appeared  in 
the  columns  of  different  publications.  In  fact,  in 
various  ways  he  did  much  for  the  advancement  of  medi- 
cal science  and  the  relief  and  benefit  of  his  fellow  men. 
In  1823,  in  connection  with  Dr.  Tulley,  he  published 
essays  on  fevers  and  other  medical  subjects  ;  and  in 
1825,  an  account  of  Typhus  Syncopalis  [the  sinking 
typhus.]  This  work  Dr.  S.  B.  Woodward  speaks  of  as 
one  which  caused  a  great  deal  of  controversy  ;  one 
which  was  most  severely  criticised  ;  but  one  about  which, 


202  OBITUARY    OF    DR.    T.   MINOR. 

although  the  public  were  divided  as  to  its  real  worth, 
they  were  generally  satisfied  that  it  evinced  great  eru- 
dition and  research.  "  At  any  rate,"  he  says,  "  it 
was  one  which  gave  the  author  great  notoriety  as  a  writ- 
er and  great  fame  as  a  practitioner."  Dr.  Minor  him- 
self declares  it  was  published  several  times  entire,  or 
abridged  in  other  works." 

After  the  organization  of  the  Medical  School  of  Yale 
College,  he  was  perhaps  three-tenths  of  the  time,  one  of 
the  censors  or  members  of  the  committee.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  committee  for  devising  ways  and  means  and 
forming  the  plan  for  the  Retreat  for  the  Insane,  at  Hart- 
ford, as  a  colleague  with  Doctors  Todd,  Woodward,  Tul- 
ley,  Ives  and  others,  and  with  the  assistance  of  Dr.  Tul- 
ley,  wrote  the  committee's  address  to  the  public,  which 
preceded  their  solicitation  of  donations. 

He  corresponded  with  many  distinguished  physicians 
in  different  parts  of  the  country,  and  with  some  distin- 
guished men  who  did  not  pursue  the  medical  profession. 
The  late  venerable  Noah  Webster,  LL.  D.,  was  one  of 
his  correspondents.  To  that  eminent  lexicographer  he 
wrote  letters  on  criticism,  etymology  and  other  philo- 
sophical subjects.  Dr.  Webster  did  him  the  honor  oc- 
casionally, to  send  him  manuscripts,  soliciting  his  re- 
marks previously  to  their  publication. 

Having  been  afflicted  twenty  years  and  more,  with  a 
disease  of  the  heart,  early  in  March,  1841,  he  went  to 
Worcester  to  visit  his  friend  Dr.  S.  B.  Woodward,  to 
see  what  could  be  done  to  alleviate  his  sufferings,  and  as 
he  said  himself,  "  if  he  could  not  be  relieved,  to  die  with 
his  friend."  With  that  friend  he  did  die,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  April  23d,  1841,  in  the  64th  year  of  his  age. 

It  is  surprising  that  one  so  feeble  from  his  early  days, 
and  suffering  so  'much  from  disease,  should  have  lived  so 
long  and  accomplished  so  much. 

In  communicating  his  death  to  Dr.  Smith,  editor  of 
the  Boston  Medical  and  Surgical  Journal,  Dr.  Wood- 
ward observes,  "  Dr.  Minor  was  a  remarkable  man. 
He  has  left  behind  him  few  as  ripe  scholars,  profound 
philosophers  and  philanthropists  in  the  medical  profes- 
sion. Ill  health  having  for  some  years  prevented  active 


OBITUARY    OF    DR.  HENRY    WOODWARD.  203 

engagement  in  professional  duties,  he  has  devoted  his 
•whole  time  to  study  and  reflection.  His  mind  was  very 
active  to  the  last.  He  was,  perhaps,  one  of  the  most 
learned  physicians  in  New  England,  not  only  in  profes- 
sional attainments,  but  in  foreign  languages  and  theolo- 
gy. He  was  acquainted  with  the  French,  Italian,  Span- 
ish and  German  languages,  and  was  often  employed  by 
publishers  in  the  country  to  translate  them.  He  was 
particularly  fond  of  the  German,  and  read  works  on 
medicine,  theology  and  philosophy  in  that  language  with 
great  pleasure.  You  well  know  his  estimable  and  moral 
qualities.  His  heart  was  benevolent,  his  feelings  kind. 
In  his  life  he  exemplified  the  Christian  character  ;  in 
sickness  and  death  he  bore  testimony  of  unbroken  con- 
fidence in  the  Christian  hope  of  a  joyful  resurrection." 


Henry  Woodward,  M.  D. 

The  second  person  referred  to  as  being  the  subject  of 
a  memoir,  in  Williams'  Medical  Biography,  is  Dr.  Hen- 
ry Woodward,  and  brother  of  Drs.  S.  B.  and  Charles 
Woodward.  The  memoir  is  from  the  pen  of  the  elder 
of  these  brothers,  with  whom  after  having  studied  awhile 
with  the  father  he  pursued  the  studies  preparatory  to  hie 
profession.  With  this  brother  too,  while  resident  in 
Wethersfield  he  was  associated  about  four  years  after 
admission  to  practice.  From  that  town,  he  came  to 
Middletown,  where  he  spent  his  remaining  life. 

From  the  memoir  and  from  other  evidence  it  is  appa- 
rent that  he  possessed  naturally  a  very  vigorous  mind, 
that  he  was  exceedingly  apt  to  learn,  and  that  he  exam- 
ined subjects  philosophically  ;  also  that  he  had  a  kind 
and  social  temper,  polished  manners,  and  was  active  and 
faithful  in  the  discharge  of  his  public  duties.  He  pos- 
sessed that  discretion  in  the  use  of  these  attributes  and 
acquisitions  which  made  him  acceptable  as  well  as  use- 
ful. He  had  the  requisites  for  being  popular  with  the 
people,  securing  the  esteem  of  his  patients  and  the  re- 
spect of  his  medical  brethren.  Accordingly  he  soon 
gained  extensive  practice,  and  for  years  "  his  business 

*  16 


204  OBITUARY    OF    DR.   HENRY    WOODWARD. 

was  equal  to  that  of  any  other  physician  in  the  State, 
both  for- respectability  and  extent.  He  received  the  hon- 
orary degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine  from  the  Connecticut 
Medical  Society  at  an  earlier  age  than  any  other  gentle- 
man in  the  State  ;  and  no  young  man  was  more  esteem- 
ed by  the  faculty  in  an  extensive  circle  of  acquaintance." 
He  was  twice  chosen  to  represent  the  town  of 
Middletown  in  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  and  was  at 
the  time  a  candidate  for  higher  advancement.  In  the 
public  stations  he  filled  he  always  sustained  himself  with 
dignity  and  ability,  and  was  considered  one  of  the  ablest 
members  of  the  House  of  Representatives." 

Investigating  thoroughly  the  causes  of  disease  and 
applying  remedies  skillfully  ;  felicitous  and  happy  in  his 
intercourse  with  the  sick,  he  gained  their  affections. 
"  He  loved  society  and  society  loved  him." 

"  His  moral  character  was  above  reproach.  He  was 
a  man  of  active  benevolence,  gave  much  in  charity,  and 
took  hold  of  the  great  moral  enterprises  of  the  day  with 
true  zeal.  He  was  a  regular  member  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  of  which  he  was  for  some  time  vestryman  and 
warden." 

But  "  in  the  midst  of  his  activity  and  usefulness  he 
was  cut  down  by  a  disease  of  the  chest,  which  in  a  few 
months  terminated  his  life  by  a  rapid  consumption.  He 
died  October  10th,  1832,  at  the  early  age  of  37  years," 


LAWYERS  IN  MIDDLETOWN. 


These  are  understood  to  have  lived  universally  in  the 
city.  In  the  Address  Titus  Hosmer,  Samuel  Holden 
Parsons,  Samuel  W.  Dana,  Jisher  Miller,  and  Stephen 
Titus  Hosmer,  are  noticed  somewhat  particularly,  and 
Silas  Stow,  and  John  G.  C.  Brainerd,  in  few  words. 
The  list  about  to  be  given  contains  the  names  of  all  the 
other  lawyers,  or  nearly  all,  who  have  ever  lived  and 
practised  in  this  place. 

Notwithstanding  the  numbers  admitted  to  the  bar,  it 
is  generally  acknowledged  that  the  amount  of  law  busi- 
ness now,  is  less  than  it  was  thirty -five  or  forty  years 
ago.  The  litigations  arising  from  failures  and  change 
of  property  from  the  restrictive  system  and  the  second 
war  with  Great  Britain,  have  years  since  been  adjusted  ; 
the  fisheries  on  the  river,  formerly  the  source  of  much 
controversy,  have  nearly  ceased  ;  human  rights  and  the 
proper  modes  of  doing  business  are  better  understood 
and  more  respected  ;  the  temperance  reformation,  pre- 
venting wild  speculation  and  wasteful  expenditures,  has 
prompted  to  productive  industry  and  frugal  economy — 
these  and  other  causes  have  lent  a  peaceful  influence. 
This  may  be  a  reason  why  some  lawyers  have  given  up 
their  profession  :  another  may  be  that  they  find  business 
enough  of  other  kinds  to  occupy  them. 

List  of  Lawyers  with  a  few  Items. 

William  Plumbe,  a  native  of  the  Society  of  West- 
field,  '  graduate  of  Yale  College,  1769,  practised  law  a 
short  time,  became  a  preacher  and  chaplain  in  the  army 
in  the  Revolution,  afterwards  a  merchant.  He  died 
June  2d,  1843,  leaving  a  few  thousand  dollars  worth  of 
property  for  Foreign  Missions,  under  the  care  of  the 
American  Board.  The  exact  sum  cannot  be  given,  as 
the  estate  is  not  entirely  settled. 


206  LAWYERS    IN    MIDDLETOWN. 

Ezeldel  Woodruff,  said  to  be  a  native  of  Farmington 
or  Southington,  graduate  of  Yale,  1779,  practised  here 
a  few  years.  He  was  City  Clerk  from  1786  to  1789  in- 
clusive, resigned  this  office  and  probably  soon  after  mov- 
ed away,  to  what  place  is  not  known. 

Matthew  Talcott  Russell.     See  close  of  this  list. 

William  Brown,  native  of  Guilford,  graduate  of  Yale 
1784,  practised  law  some  years  here,  was  City  Clerk 
after  Mr.  Woodruff,  three  years.  He  afterwards  prac- 
tised in  Madison  a  few  years,  and  then  in  the  city  of 
Hartford,  where  he  died  in  the  close  of  1803.  He  was 
a  man  of  good  abilities  and  much  respected. 

Joshua  Henshaw,  native  of  Middletown,  and  gradu- 
ate of  Yale,  1785.  He  moved  to  Vermont,  and  thence, 
it  is  understood,  to  Montreal,  in  Canada. 

Enoch  Huntington,  son  of  Rev.  Enoch  Huntington, 
graduate  of  Yale,  1785,  had  superior  natural  talents, 
was  a  Dean  scholar,  spoke  with  great  fluency  at  the  bar, 
and  was  Colonel  of  militia.  He  died  March  7th,  1820, 
aged  58. 

Silas  Stow,  was  a  native  of  the  Society  of  Middle  - 
field.  See  p.  106. 

.  George  W.  Stanky,  born  in  Wallingford,  graduated 
at  Yale,  1793,  practised  law  many  years  in  his  native 
town,  came  to  Middletown  in  1819,  and  was  State's  At- 
torney ;  moved  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  about  1837. 

Alexander  Collins,  son  of  General  Augustus  Collins, 
of  North  Guilford,  graduate  of  Yale,  1795,  studied  law 
in  the  office  of  the  late  Judge  Hosrner.  He  died  while 
on  a  journey,  Sept.  14th,  1815,  aged  41,  at  Brattleboro, 
Ver.,  where  his  body  is  interred.  The  enterprising  men, 
from  whom  Collinsville  derives  its  name,  are  his  sons. 

Elijah  Hubbard,  graduate  of  Yale,  1795,  studied  at 
the  Law  School  in  Litchfield,  practised  law  some  years 
in  New  London,  returned  to  Middletown  upon  the  death 
of  his  father,  Elijah  Hubbard,  Esq.,  in  1808,  was  many 
years  President  of  Middletown  Bank,  and  repeatedly 
mayor  of  the  city.  He  died  Dec.  4th,  1846,  aged  69. 

Chauncey  Whittlesey,  son  of  Chauncey  Whittlesey, 
Esq.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1800,  and  a  Dean  scholar,  read 
law  with  the  Hon.  Charles  Chauncey  of  New  Haven, 


LAWYERS    IN    MIDDLETOWN.  207 

and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  November,  1804.  See 
onward. 

John  L.  Lewis,  native  of  Philadelphia,  studied  with 
Judge  Hosmer,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  March, 
1805.  In  May,  1818,  he  was  appointed  Sheriff  of  Mid- 
dlesex County.  He  afterwards  moved  to  Florida,  where 
he  died. 

William  Van  Deusen,  graduate  of  Yale,  1801,  studied 
law  in  Middletown  and  Litchfield,  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  as  early  as  1807,  received  a  captain's  commission 
from  the  General  Government,  and  for  a  time  had  com- 
mand of  the  fort  at  New  London.  He  died  in  Middle- 
town  Sept.  26th,  1833,  aged  49. 

Levi  H.  Clark)  a  native  of  Sunderland,  Mass.,  and 
graduate  of  Yale,  1802,  studied  law  with  the  Hon. 
Charles  Chauncey  of  New  Haven,  and  with  Asa  Bacon, 
Esq.,  in  Canterbury.  He  commenced  practice  in  Had- 
dam  in  the  Spring  of  1805.  See  onward. 

Noah  A.  Phelps.,  native  of  Simsbury,  studied  law 
with  Hon.  Elisha  Phelps,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
Hartford  in  1811,  and  practised  in  that  city — was  sheriff 
of  Hartford  county  from  1819  to  1828.  He  came  to 
Middletown  in  1829,  being  appointed  collector  of  cus- 
toms ;  he  has  since  been  judge  of  the  County  Court, 
mayor  of  the  city  of  Middletown,  judge  of  Probate, 
State  Senator,  and  Secretary  of  Connecticut, 

Jonathan  Barnes,,  son  of  Jonathan  Barnes,  Esq.,  of 
Tolland,  (attorney  in  Tolland  county,)  graduate  of  Yale, 
1810,  studied  law  with  his  father,  and  after  he  came  to 
Middletown,  for  a  time  with  Chauncey  Whittlesey,  Esq., 
began  practice  in  Middletown,  in  1813,  and  has  ever 
since  confined  himself  closely  and  unusually  to  the  ap- 
propriate duties  of  his  profession. 

Major  Andre  Andrews,  native  of  Cornwall,  studied 
law,  for  a  time  at  least,  with  his  brother,  Benajah  An- 
drews, in  Wallingford,  began  to  practice  in  Middletown, 
as  early  as  1815 — was  appointed  State's  Attorney  in 
Sept.,  1818,  moved  to  Buffalo  in  1819,  where  he  died 
during  the  second  prevalence  of  the  cholera  in  the  place 
Aug.  17,  1834,  aged  42. 

Minor  Hotchkiss,  born  in  New  Haven,  graduate  of 


LAWYERS    IN    MIDDLETOWN. 

Yale,  1813,  studied  law  in  Litchfield  and  New  Haven, 
•was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  New  Haven  in  the  close  of 
1815,  and  came  immediately  to  Middletown.  See  on- 
ward. 

Jlbiel  L.  Loomis,  began  to  practice  law  in  Middle 
Haddam,  as  early  as  1816  ;  in  two  or  three  years  he 
moved  to  Killingworth,  now  Clinton,  Avhere  he  remained 
about  ten  years,  he  then  came  to  Middletown,  but  after- 
wards removed  to  Hartford  where  he  died. 

William  L.  Storrs,  graduated  at  Yale,  1814,  read 
law  with  his  brother,  Henry  R.  Storrs,  Esq.,  at  Whites- 
town,  N.  Y.,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  New  York,  in 

1817,  and  in  Connecticut  soon  after.     He  was  Repre- 
sentative to  the  Legislature  of  Connecticut,  in  1827  and 
'28,  and  to  Congress  from  March,   1829  to  1823 — was 
speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  in  Connecticut 
in  1834.     He  was  elected  member  of  Congress  again  for 
two  years,  from  March  4,  1839,  but  in  1840,  became  a 
judge  of  the  Superior  Court.     He  has  also  been  profess- 
or in  the  New  Haven  Law   School.     The  Western  Re- 
serve College  has  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of 
LL.  D. 

Ebenezer  Force,  studied  law  with  the  Hon.  Sylvester 
Gilbert  of  Hebron,  practised  in  Middle  Haddam,  in 
1819,  '20,  and  '21,  came  to  Middletown  and  practised  a 
short  time,  enlisted  into  the  army  of  the  United  States. 
Has  been  dead  some  years. 

John  G.  C.  Brainerd,  native  of  New  London,  and 
graduate  of  Yale,  1815,  son  of  Hon  Jeremiah  G.  Brain- 
erd.  See  p.  108. 

Enoch  Thomas  Parsons,  graduate  of  Union  College, 

1818,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1822,  practised  a  short 
time,  lost  his  health,  died  April  15th,  1830,  aged  30. 

Jlsahd  Utley.  See  list  of  lawyers  in  Middle  Haddam. 

Samuel  Holden  Parsons,  graduate  of  Yale,  1819,  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  in  1822,  practised  for  a  time  in  Mid- 
dletown, and  then  in  Hartford  ;  is  now  travelling  in 
Europe. 

Samuel  Dickinson  Hubbard,  graduate  of  Yale,  1819, 
studied  at  the  New  Haven  Law  School,  practised  law 


LAWYERS   IN    MIDDLETOWN.  209 

some  years,  lias  been  mayor  of  the  city,  and  Member  of 
Congress. 

John  Hiram  Lathrop,  graduate  of  Yale,  1819.  Tu- 
tor, LL.  D.,  practised  law  here  a  short  time,  has  since 
been  professor  in  Hamilton  College,  and  in  the  Universi- 
ty of  Missouri ;  and  is  now  president  of  the  University 
of  Wisconsin. 

Ezekiel  L.  Hosmer,  son  of  the  late  Judge  Hosmer, 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1823,  and  died  Nov.  14th, 
1826,  aged  24. 

Charles  Richard  Alsop,  graduate  of  Yale,  1821, 
studied  law  in  the  office  of  Jonathan  Barnes,  Esq.,  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  this  State.  He  then  attend- 
ed the  lectures  of  the  late  Chancellor  Kent  in  New  York, 
studied  in  the  office  of  Daniel  Lord,  Esq.,  an  attorney 
in  the  city,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  there.  He  re- 
mained in  that  city  until  1832,  when  he  returned  to 
Middletown.  Upon  the  resignation  of  Noah  A.  Phelps, 
Esq.,  he  was  elected  mayor  of  the  city  of  Middletown, 
April  25th,  1843,  for  the  residue  of  the  term.  He  was 
then  re-elected  for  two  years,  after  which  he  declined  a 
re-election.  While  mayor  he  first  started  the  movement 
for  the  New  York  and  Boston  Railroad,  usually  spoken 
of  as  the  Air  Line  Railroad.  He  also  obtained  the 
charter  for  the  Middletown  Railroad  (now  the  Branch  to 
the  Hartford  and  New  Haven  Railroad.)  Of  this  road 
he  was  the  President  until  it  was  merged  with  the  Hart, 
ford,  New  Haven  and  Springfield  Railroad  Company. 
He  was  one  of  the  original  corporators  of  the  New  York 
and  Boston  Railroad  Company,  and  in  Nov.,  1850,  was 
elected  the  President  of  it. 

Isaac  Webb,  born  in  Chester,  graduate  of  Yale,  1822, 
and  tutor  ;  studied  law  in  New  Haven,  began  to  prac- 
tice here  in  1827  or  '28  ;  afterwards  established  a  school 
for  the  instruction  of  lads  ;  died  September  29th,  1842, 
aged  45. 

Stillman  K.  Wightman,  graduate  of  Yale,  1825, 
studied  law  with  Jonathan  Barnes,  Esq.,  and  at  the  Law 
School  in  New  Haven,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
1827 — was  State's  Attorney,  Speaker  of  the  house  of 


210  LAWYERS   IN   MIDDLETOWN. 

representatives,  and  State  Senator.     He  moved  to  the 
city  of  New  York  about  1844,  where  he  now  practises. 

Ebenezer  Jackson,  native  of  Savannah,  Ga.,  educa- 
ted at  the  college  of  St.  Mary's  in  Baltimore,  studied  law 
in  Litchfield,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1827 — has  been 
a  Member  of  Congress. 

CJiarks  C.  Tyler,  native  of  ifaddam,  studied  law 
with  Judge  Storrs,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1828, 
has  been  State's  Attorney  and  Judge  of  the  County 
Court. 

Thomas  Griswold  Mather,  graduate  of  Yale,  1826, 
studied  law  with  Judge  Storrs,  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  1829,  has  been  town  clerk. 

Samuel  W.  Griswold,  was  born  in  the  Society  of 
Westfield,  studied  law  with  Abiel  A.  Loomis  and  Jona- 
than Barnes,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Oct.  1832,  died 
Feb.  16th,  1844,  aged  nearly  36. 

Alfred  Hall,  native  of  Portland,  graduate  of  Trinity 
College,  1828,  studied  law  in  Middletown,  New  .Haven, 
and  Cambridge,  began  to  practice  in  Middletown,  about 
1833  or  '34,  but  soon  returned  to  Portland  and  is  a  mer- 
chant in  that  town — has  been  Representative  to  the 
General  Assembly  from  that  town  for  two  or  three  years 
past. 

Elihu  Spencer,  native  of  Warren,  Ohio,  graduated  at 
the  Wesleyan  University,  1838,  studied  with  Judge 
Storrs,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Oct.  1841 — has  been 
Town  Clerk,  Clerk  of  the  County  and  Superior  Courts, 
and  Treasurer,  and  Representative  to  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  State. 

Dennis  Sage,  graduate  of  Wesleyan  University,  1839, 
studied  law  with  Judge  Storrs,  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
1842 — practised  a  short  time,  then  went  into  other  busi- 
ness ;  has  been  to  California,  but  recently  returned. 

Charles  Vfhittlesey,  born  in  Salisbury,  graduate  of 
Williams  College,  1840,  studied  law  in  Litcbfield  coun- 
ty, where  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1844 — came  the 
same  year  to  Middletown,  has  been  State's  Attorney. 

Norman  L.  Brainerd,  born  in  Portland,  studied  law 
in  Cambridge  and  N.  Y.  city,  was  in  a  law  office  and  prac- 
tised in  that  city,  has  been  a  year  or  two  in  Middletown. 


LAWYERS    IN   MIDDLETOWN.  211 

A  few  words  in  addition,  in  regard  to  M.  T.  Russell, 
Chauncey  Whittlesey,  Levi  H.  Clark,  and  Minor  Hotcli- 

kiss. 

Matthew  Talcott  Russell,  was  named  after  Col.  Mat- 
thew Talcott,  who  had  married  his  aunt,  and  had  no 
children  of  his  own.  He  was  educated  at  his  expensd 
at  Yale  College,  where  he  was  tutor  four  years.  He 
studied  law  with  the  Hon.  Oliver  Ellsworth,  and  com- 
menced practice  in  this  city.  Though  of  a  slender  con- 
stitution and  delicate  health,  he  was  able  through  great 
care  and  prudence  to  attend  continually  to  his  profes- 
sional concerns.  He  was  accurate  and  methodical  in 
every  thing,  and  therefore  well  fitted  to  transact  the 
large  amount  of  collecting  business  which  was  entrusted 
to  his  hands.  For  some  time  he  was  State's  attorney. 
The  community  respected  him  for  his  integrity  and  faith- 
fulness and  the  church  honored  him  for  his  consistent 
Christian  conduct.  He  died  Nov.  13,  1828,  aged  near- 
ly 68  years. 

From  the  close  of  1804  until  1819,  Chauncey  Whit- 
tlesey, Esq.,  practised  in  this  county  and  though  able 
lawyers  from  Middlesex  and  adjoining  counties,  attended 
the  courts,  he  acquired  an  elevated  rank  among  his 
brethren.  He  was  also  advanced  in  military  life  to  the 
command  of  a  brigade.  In  the  last  mentioned  year  he 
removed  to  Louisville,  Kentucky,  where  he  practised 
about  four  years,  and  afterwards  to  New  Orleans,  where 
he  practised  about  four  years  more.  His  health  having 
been  seriously  injured  while  in  the  latter  city,  he  return- 
ed to  his  native  town  in  1827,  and  attended  in  a  degree 
to  official  business  until  the  autumn  of  1829,  when  his 
illness  became  distressing.  His  sight  and  other  bodily 
powers  were  affected,  so  that  for  the  residue  of  his  life 
he  was  almost  helpless,  and  often  racked  with  severe 
pain.  He  died  Dec.  24th,  1834,  aged  51. 

Gen.  Whittlesey 's  earthly  disappointments  and  suffer- 
ings served  to  render  the  grace  of  God,  in  which  he 
trusted,  the  more  conspicuous.  Those  who  visited  him 
in  his  afflictions  were  surprised  in  view  of  his  weak  and 
disordered  body,  and  at  the  continued  vigor  of  his  mind ; 
were  instructed  by  his  conversation,  and  improved  by  hia 
18 


212  LAWYERS    IN    MIDDLETOWN. 

resignation  to  God  and  his  benevolence  to  men,  and  pros- 
pects of  blessedness  in  the  life  to  come.5, 

An  able  writer  in  the  Philadclphian  for  Jan.  8,  1835, 
declares  concerning  him  :     "  When  'almost  every  earth- 
ly comfort  was  withdrawn,  he  was  not  cast  down,  for  he 
looked   to  his  inheritance   among  the   saints   in  light. 
When  blindness  and  darkness  came  over  his  bodily  sense, 
the  eye  of  his  mind  remained  strong  and  unclouded,  and 
the  light  of  Heaven  still  penetrated  to  his  soul  and  kept 
up  a  constant  warmth  in  his  heart.     While  he  was  in  a 
condition  which  would  have  made  some  men  forget  all 
but  self  and  suffering,  his  expansive  benevolence,  worthy 
of  its  celestial  origin,  constantly  flowed  out  to  his  fel- 
low beings.     His  intellect  was  still  firm  and  vigorous  af- 
ter years  of  severe  disease   had  taken  from  his  body 
almost  all  power  but  that  of  endurance,  and  his  feelings, 
instead  of  being  souered  by  disappointment  and  calami-  • 
ty,  grew  more  tender  and  affectionate  while  one  faculty 
and  enjoyment  after    another,  in  melancholy  succession 
departed  from  him."      "  Thus  through   long  years  of 
trial  he  acted  out  the  faith  and  patience  of  the  saints." 
Lcvi  H.   Clarke,  removed  from  Haddam  to  Middle- 
town,  in  1807  or  8.     In  both  towns  he  had  considerable 
practice.     About  1816,  he  removed  to  Carthage,  N.  Y., 
invested  property  in  that  village  and  engaged  in  the 
building  of  the  famous  "  Carthage  Bridge,"  which  was 
the  wonder  of  western  tourists.      In  the  fall  of   that 
bridge  he  lost  much  property,  and  resorted  afterwards 
mainly,  to  the  use  of  his  pen  for  support.     In  1821,  he 
was  appointed  an  associate  judge  of  the  County  Court, 
for  the  new  county  of  Munroe,  and  that  year  he  report- 
ed the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  which  formed  a 
constitution  for  the  Empire  State.      His  reports  were 
subsequently   published   in   an  octavo  volume,    styled, 
"  Clarke's  Reports."     From  that  time  until  1835,  he 
was  generally  connected  in  some  way  with  papers  and 
publications  in  New  York  city,  as  owner,  partner,  editor 
or  correspondent,  and  from  1835  until  June,  1839,  was 
a  justice  of  the  7th,  10th  and  15th  Avards.     He  died  at 
Feeding  Hills  in.  West  Springfield,  Feb.  6th,  1840,  aged 


LAWYERS    IN    MIDDLETOWN.  213 

57.     There  is  much  evidence  that  before  his  death  he 
became  a  sincere  Christian. 

Minor  Hotchkiss,  Esq.)  is  remembered  by  many. 
Upon  his  appearance  in  this  county  he  was  marked  as  a 
young  man  of  talents  and  promise.  He  soon  became 
distinguished  in  his  profession,  and  his  prospects  of  busi- 
ness and  usefulness  in  the  world  were  as  great  as  those 
of  any  man  of  his  age  in  the  State.  With  a  mind  well 
stored  with  knowledge  were  associated  dispositions,  man- 
ners and  habits  adapted  to  secure  affection  and  confi- 
dence. In  the  two  last  years  of  his  life  he  represented 
the  town  in  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  with  credit  to 
himself  and  satisfaction  to  his  constituents.  A  long  and 
distressing  sickness  "  he  bore  with  patience  and  resigna- 
tion, and  gave  the  strongest  evidence  of  personal  piety." 
He  died  Oct.  21st,  1825,  aged  34. 


• 


MEANS    OF    COMMON    AND 
HIGHER  EDUCATION. 

^      t< 

The  Common  Schools  of  Middletown,  First  Society, 
and  also  of  Middlefield  and  Westfield,  have  correspond- 
ed in  character  generally  with  the  common  schools  in 
other  societies  throughout  the  State ;  and  these  have 
furnished  to  the  great  body  of  children  the  rudiments  of 
an  English  education,  which  have  been  variously  im- 
proved in  after  life.  Different  circumstances  have 
conspired  to  render  the  terms  in  these  schools  longer  in 
some  districts  than  in  others,  and  to  the  securing  of 
teachers  of  higher  qualifications.  The  schools  of  this 
description  are  generally  considered  as  being  on  the  ad- 
vance ;  some  unquestionably  are.  The  number  of  com- 
mon schools  in  the  First  Society,  and  out  of  the  city  lim- 
its, are  now  ten,  and  the  number  of  children,  reported 
as  being  in  the  district  where  these  schools  are  situated, 
and  between  the  ages  of  four  and  sixteen,  in  1851,  was 
five  hundred  and  two.  The  number  of  such  children  re- 
ported in  1851,  as  being  in  the  city  was  nine  hundred 
and  nine.  Here  provision  was  made  for  them,  as  in 
other  parts  of  the  Society,  until  1840,  when  the  citizens, 
desirous  of  placing  all  the  children,  before  reaching  six- 
teen, in  circumstances  in  which  they  might  attain  a  high- 
er education,  than  was  expected  at  the  common  schools, 
obtained  from  the  Legislature  a  special  act,  in  virtue  of 
which  all  the  children,  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  the  great 
school  fund  of  the  State,  might  be  instructed  after  reach- 
ing the  age  of  nine  years  acd  so  onward  until  sixteen,  in 
a  High  School,  while  other  children  from  four  to  nine, 
might  be  instructed  in  four  Primary  Schools.  Rooms 
for  the  High  School  were  hired  until  a  suitable  edifice 
was  prepared  in  the  summer  of  1841.  This  is  sixty-six 
feet  by  forty-eight,  two  stories,  in  which  there  are  rooms 
for  study  and  recitation.  There  is  a  basement  in  which 


COMMON    AND    HIGHER   EDUCATION.  215 

a  family  resides,  having  care  of  the  building,  and  a  large 
arched  attic  for  lectures,  or  any  other  purpose  for  which 
it  is  needed. 

The  Institution  is  under  the  instruction  and  govern- 
ment of  a  male  principal,  having  male  and  female  assis- 
tants. The  older  children  occupy  the  upper  story  and 
the  younger  the  lower. 

The  average  number  of  children  has  been  about  two 
hundred  and  thirty.  More  girls  have  generally  attend- 
ed than  boys,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty -five  girls, 
and  about  one  hundred  and  five  or  one  hundred  and  ten 
boys.  Of  both,  in  some  seasons,  there  have  been  two 
hundred  and  eighty.  The  attendance  in  the  primary 
schools  has  been  about  the  same. 

The  benefits  of  the  High  School  have  been  vast,  by 
bringing  the  higher  English  branches  and  the  elementa- 
ry branches  of  Latin  and  Greek,  within  the  means  of  all. 
Several  scholars  have  been  fitted  for  college.  None  are 
required  to  pay  more  than  four  dollars  a  year,  and  the 
tuition  of  the  poor  is  abated. 

But  invaluable  as  the  Common  Schools  have  been  from 
the  beginning  to  children  generally,  there  have  been  all 
along  some  parents  who  wished  to  secure  for  their  chil- 
dren higher  advantages  than  the  common  schools  aflbrd- 
ed,  especially  where  they  were  designed  for  the  learned 
professions,  or  the  more  important  branches  of  business. 
For  a  long  time,  parents  in  such  cases  placed  their  chil- 
dren under  the  tuition  of  settled  clergymen.  The  im- 
portant and  long  continued  efforts  of  Rev.  Enoch  Hunt- 
ington,  in  the  instruction  of  youth,  were  mentioned  in 
the  Address  ;  and  yet  in  his  time  highly  qualified  teach- 
ers were  employed  in  keeping  school  in  Middletown. 
Chauncey  "Whittlesey,  graduate  of  Yale  College,  1764, 
when  he  came  to  this  town  was  employed  in  the  instruc- 
tion of  youth.  So  was  Jonathan  Ingersoll,  graduate  of 
the  same  college  in  1766,  and  while  teaching  youth  he 
was  a  student  of  law  under  Hon.  Titus  Hosmer.  Oth- 
ers of  like  qualifications,  probably  followed  them.  Be- 
fore the  commencement  of  this  century,  Rev.  William 
Woodbridge  opened  a  school  for  young  ladies,  which  was 
continued  several  years.  At  a  subsequent  time,  Mr. 
*  18 


21G  COMMON    AND    HIGHER    EDUCATION. 

Elijah  Garfield  from  Lee,  Mass.,  opened  a  school  for  the 
instruction  of  youth  of  both  sexes  ;  though  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  time  in  which  he  instructed  here,  he  taught 
lads  only,  who  Avere  seeking  qualifications  for  doing  busi- 
ness or  entrance  into  colleges.  Isaac  Webb,  a  graduate 
and  tutor  of  Yale  College,  who  settled  in  Middlctown  as 
a  lawyer,  instructed  a  school  of  lads  a  number  of  years 
before  his  death,  in  1842. 

THE  PREPARATORY  SCHOOL  of  D.  H.  Chase,  A.  M., 
has  been  in  successful  operation  sixteen  years.  Two 
courses  of  study  are  pursued,  the  first  embracing  "  all 
that  is  necessary  to  prepare  youth  for  any  college  or 
university — the  second,  besides  common  English,  in- 
cludes book-keeping,  algebra,  geometry,  surveying,  as- 
tronomy, geology,  philosophy  of  natural  history,  rhetor- 
ic, logic,  mental,  moral  and  political  philosophy,  &c. 
Exercises  in  composition  and  declamation,  alternate 
weekly,  lectures  and  experiments  are  given  on  interest- 
ing and  useful  subjects.  The  School  is  supplied  with 
Chemical  and  Philosophical  apparatus,  and  a  select  Li- 
brary." 

"  Moral  and  religious  education  receives  an  attention  due 
to  its  extreme  importance.  Students  attend  the  church- 
es designated  by  their  parents.  A  portion  of  each  Sab- 
bath is  devoted  to  a  bible  lesson,  and  to  sacred  music." 

Some  years  a  School  for  Young  Ladies  was  kept  in 
the  city,  by  Miss  Mary  Jinn  Bartlett,  which  was  fol- 
lowed by  another,  kept  also  some  years  by  Mr.  Sidera 
Chase. 

THE  MIDDLETOWN  FEMALE  SEMINARY,  under  the 
instruction  of  Rev.  Josiah  Brewer  and  Lady,  who  have 
had  much  experience  in  instruction,  has  been  in  opera- 
tion two  years,  and  attended  by  more  than  one  hundred 
young  ladies  on  an  average.  They  have  a  competent 
supply  of  able  assistants,  native  teachers  of  the  modern 
languages,  and  skilful  professors  of  music,  drawing,  &c. 

u  There  are  two  sessions  of  eleven  and  thirty-three 
weeks,  beginning  on  the  second  Monday  in  May,  and 
the  first  Monday  in  September,  divided  into  quarters, 
each  eleven  weeks.  The  principal  vacations  are  in  the 


COMMON    AND    HIGHER    EDUCATION.  217 

months  of  August  and  April,  with  a  week  from  Christ- 
mas to  New  Years." 

"  The  pupils  are  mainly  arranged  into  two  depart- 
ments, viz :  the  Preparatory  and  the  Principal.  A  full 
course  in  each  requires  two  or  three  years,  but  may  be 
modified  to  meet  the  wants  of  individuals.  Those  of 
mature  age,  or  advanced  in  their  studies,  are  admitted 
for  a  part  of  a  year." 

"  Among  the  studies  of  the  Preparatory  Classes  are 
mental  and  practical  arithemtic,  geography,  first  lessons 
in  grammar,  elements  of  botany,  physiology  and  natural 
philosophy,  general  history,  and  history  of  the  United 
States  ;  manual  of  morals  and  youths  book  of  natural 
theology." 

"  In  the  Principal  Department,  are  taught  arithmetic, 
algebra  and  geometry,  antient  geography  and  mytholo- 
gy ;  histories  of  Greece,  Rome,  France  and  England ; 
English  grammar  and  rhetoric  ;  natural  history,  physi- 
ology, natural  philosophy,  chemistry,  geology,  botany, 
astronomy  and  meteorology ;  science  of  government, 
mental  and  moral  science  ;  geography  of  the  bible,  nat- 
ural theology  and  evidences  of  Christianity." 

Composition  forms  a  prominent  object  of  attention. 
Latin  and  Greek  Languages  are  taught  to  all  who  wish 
for  them.  Instructions  in  Instrumental  Music,  Drawing, 
Painting  and  Modern  Languages,  are  furnished  at  the 
usual  city  prices. 

The  health,  manners,  morals  and  religious  welfare  of 
pupils,  especially  of  those  who  become  members  of  the 
family  of  the  Principals,  are  watched  over  with  parental 
care.  They  attend  public  worship  at  such  places  as 
meet  the  wishes  of  their  friends. 

The  WESLEYAN  UNIVERSITY,  is  spoken  of  in  the 
Address,  pp.  110,  111.  Since  that  was  delivered,  the 
institution  has  been  afflicted  by  the  death  of  another 
revered  President,  Rev.  Stephen  Olin,  S.T.  D.,  who  died 
Aug.  16th,  1851,  aged  55.  Although  a  memoir  of  him 
is  expected,  it  may  be  well  to  state  that  he  was  born  in 
Leicester,  Ver.  and  graduated  at  Middlebury  College, 
in  1820,  where  he  held  a  very  high  standing  as  a  scholar. 
Soon  after  leaving  college  he  went  to  South  Carolina  and 


218  COMMON    AND    HIGHER    EDUCATION. 

bad  the  charge  of  an  academy.  While  there  he  ex- 
perienced religion,  connected  himself  with  the  South 
Carolina  Methodist  Episcopal  Conference  and  became  a 
circuit  preacher.  He  was  stationed  sometime  in  Charles- 
ton, but  was  interrupted  in  his  self-denying  and  arduous 
labors  by  ill  health.  He  was  afterwards  professor  of 
Moral  Philosophy  and  Rhetoric,  in  the  University  of 
Georgia,  and  then  President  of  Randolph  and  Macon 
College.  This  presidency  he  resigned,  took  a  voyage  to 
Europe,  and  thence  passed  into  Egypt,  Arabia  Petraea 
and  the  Holy  Land.  An  account  of  his  travels  in  these 
countries,  published  in  1843,  has  had  a  wide  circulation  ; 
and  it  is  altogether  probable  that  he  will  long  be  remem- 
bered and  respected  as  a  writer  ;  for  an  edition  of  other 
works  of  his  pen  has  just  been  issued.  These  compose 
two  volumes.  The  first  containing  sermons  and  sketch- 
es ;  the  second,  Lectures  on  Education,  Baccalaureate 
Discourses,  and  various  occasional  Addresses  and  Es- 
says." 

As  a  drawing  of  the  University  building  and  chapel 
accompanies  this  work,  it  is  not  necessary  to  say  much 
about  them  arid  other  buildings  belonging  to  the  Corpor- 
ation. The  university  building  is  of  the  Portland  stone, 
150  feet  by  50,  four  stories,  containing  sixty-four  rooms. 
The  Chapel  of  the  same  material,  54  feet  by  44,  is  also 
four  stories,  and  has  projection  in  front,  in  which  beside 
the  room  appropriated  to  devotion,  there  are  rooms  for 
the  Library,  Philosophical  Apparatus,  the  Cabinet  of 
Minerals,  and  for  recitations.  Connected  with  these 
there  is  a  Laboratory  with  a  lecture  room,  and  a  large 
three-story  brick  building,  designed  at  first  for  a  public 
boarding  house  ;  in  which  now  there  is  one  room,  called 
the  Missionary  Lyceum,  in  which  various  and  interesting 
articles  received  from  Missionary  stations  in  different 
parts  of  the  world,  are  already  collected ;  where  meet- 
ings are  held  to  hear  information  concerning  Missionary 
operations  and  prospects,  and  to  pray  for  the  conversion 
of  the  world.  In  this  also,  are  rooms  for  the  students. 

The  grounds  en  which  these  buildings  stand  are  160 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  Connecticut  river  and  five- 
eights  of  a  mile  distant  from  it. 


Graduates  of  Colleges,  natives  or  inhabitants  of  Mid- 
dletown,  not  particularly  mentioned  in  the  Address, 
among  the  settled  Clergymen,  nor  in  the  lists  of  Phy- 
sicians and  Lawyers  ;  with  a  notice  of  a  very  few  others 
who  without  going  through  a  collegiate  course  have  en- 
tered the  sacred  office . 

GRADUATES    FROM   MIDDLETOWN, 
FIRST     SOCIETY. 


Harvard  College. 

Nathaniel  Collins,  1697.  He  was  son  of  the  first 
settled  pastor  in  Middletown,  and  became  himself  the 
first  pastor  of  the  church  in  Enfield,  where  he  labored 
more  than  twenty  years.  He  then  resigned  his  ministry 
in  that  place,  but  preached  in  other  places  ;  he  died  in 
Enfield  in  1757,  aged  79. 


Yale  College* 

Seth  Wetmore,  1714.  Was  the  first  Congregation- 
al minister  in  North  Haven,  embraced  episcopacy  about 
1722,  went  to  England  for  orders,  in  1723,  was  rector  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  in  Rye,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died 
May  14th,  1760.  He  published  a  defence  of  Water- 
land's  discourse  on  Regeneration  and  two  or  three  other 
controversial  pieces. 

Joseph  Clark,  1745.  Was  town  clerk,  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  deacon  in  the  First  Congregational  Church. 

Jeremiah  Learning,  S.  T.  IX,  1745.  He  became  an 
Episcopal  minister,  preached  eight  years  in  Newport,  R. 
I.,  twenty-one  in  Norwalk,  and  eight  or  nine  at  Strat- 
ford. He  died  in  New  Haven,  in  Sept.,  1804,  aged  86. 
Besides  two  controversial  pieces,  he  published  Evidences 
of  the  Truth  of  Christianity,  and  dissertations  on 


220  GRADUATES    FROM    MIDDLETOWN. 

various  subjects.  His  •writings  indicate  a  strong  and 
well  informed  mind. 

Israkiah  Wctmore,  1748.  Was  pastor  of  the  First 
Church  hi  Stratford,  preached  the  election  sermon  before 
the  Legislature  in  Connecticut  in  1773,  died  in  1798. 

Jabez  Hamlin,  1769.  Son  of  Col.  J.  Hamlin,  went 
to  Boston,  as  ensign  in  the  company  commanded  by  Re- 
turn J.  Meigs,  in  1775,  afterwards  received  a  captain's 
commission,  and  died  of  sickness,  while  in  the  service  of 
his  country,  at  East  Chester,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  20th,  177G, 
aged  24. 

Robert  Hubbard,  1769.  Entered  the  ministry,  settled 
in  Shelburue,  Mass.,  became  consumptive,  was  brought 
to  Middletown,  after  his  sickness  commenced,  where  he 
died  Nov.  2d,  1788,  in  the  45th  year  of  his  age.  His 
body  rests  with  those  of  his  friends,  in  Tomb-lane  Yard. 

George  Phillips,  1769.  Was  a  merchant  in  the  city, 
and  the  first  collector  of  customs  for  the  District  of  Mid- 
dletown. He  died  in  New  Orleans,  in  1802. 

Elisha  Atkins^  1773.  Chaplain  in  the  Revolutiona- 
ry army,  and  pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  in 
Killingly,  where  he  died  in  1839. 

Alexander  Wokott,  1778.  Practised  law  in  Hartford 
County,  possessed  a  strong  mind  and  superior  legal  at- 
tainments. He  was  collector  of  customs  in  the  district 
of  Middletown,  from  Aug.,  1801,  until  his  death  June 
26th,  1828,  when  he  was  in  the  70th  year  of  his  age. 

Wait  Cornwell,  1782.  Preached  occasionally,  but 
never  had  the  charge  of  a  parish — moved  late  in  life  to 
some  part  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  where  he  died  in  March, 
1816. 

Samuel  Mather  y  1792,  Native  of  Lyine,  merchant 
in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  has  resided  in  Middletown  many 
years. 

Joseph  Washburn,  1793.  While  fitting  for  college 
and  while  studying  theology,  he  was  under  the  instruc- 
tion of  Rev.  Enoch  Huntington.  By  talents,  education 
and  grace,  he  was  well  prepared  for  the  sacred  ministry. 
He  was  pastor  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  in 
Fai-uiington,  between  ten  and  eleven  years  and  discharg- 
ed the  duties  of  his  office  to  the  great  acceptance  and 


GRADUATES    FROM    MIDDLETOWN.  221 

benefit  of  his  people.  Being  in  declining  health  he  com- 
menced a  journey  to  the  south,  near  the  close  of  1805, 
and  undertook  to  pass  from  Norfolk  to  Charleston  by 
by  water,  but  died  at  sea  Dec.  25th. 

A  question  has  been  raised  whether  he  was  born  in 
Middletown  as  here  represented,  or  in  what  is  now  the 
town  of  Portland.  In  a  funeral  sermon  preached  in 
Farmington  by  Rev.  Asahcl  Hooker,  he  is  said  to  have 
been  born  at  Middletown,  May  13th,  1766.  But  at  that 
time  Portland  was  one  of  the  parishes  of  Middletown. 
His  parents  lived  in  Portland  a  number  of  years,  and 
some  persons  who  knew  the  family  well,  have  a  strong 
impression  that  they  lived  there  at  the  time  of  his  birth. 

Samuel  Gray  Huntington,  1800.  Was  a  Dean  scho- 
lar, studied  law  probably  with  his  brother  Enoch  Hunt- 
ington,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  practised  three  years 
in  East  Haddam,  then  moved  to  Waterford,  and  thence 
to  Troy.  Has  been  judge  of  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  for  Rensselaer  County. 

Alexander  Wolcott,  1809.  Was  born  in  Windsor,  be- 
fore his  father,  just  named,  moved  from  that  town.  He 
studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Nathan  Smith,  at  Hanover, 
N.  H.  In  the  second  war  with  Great  Britain  he  was  an 
assistant  surgeon,  and  stationed  at  Fort  Moultrie,  S. 
C.,  and  afterwards  on  Governor's  Island,  N.  Y.  He  es- 
tablished himself  as  a  physician,  in  Vincennes,  In. ;  but 
in  1819,  was  appointed  Indian  Agent  at  Detroit,  and 
after  spending  a  year  or  more  there,  was  transfered  to 
Chicago,  where  he  held  his  post  until  his  death,  Oct.  23, 
1830,  aged  40. 

Richard  Hubbard,  1813.  Son  of  Nehemiah  Hubbard, 
Esq.,  was  elected  mayor  of  the  city  of  Middletown  in 
1838  and  died  in  office,  Sept.  1st,  1839,  aged  47. 

Henry  Dana  Jlrtemas  Ward,  1819.  Settled  as  a 
planter  in  South  Carolina;  lived  in  Columbia,  (near 
which  his  plantation  lay,)  where  he  died  April  3d,  1827, 
in  his  27th  year. 

Seth  Birdsey  Paddock,  1820.  Studied  theology  in 
the  Episcopal  Theological  Seminary,  about  the  time  of 
its  temporary  establishment  at  New  Haven,  preached  for 
a  time  in  St.  John's  Church  in  Essex  ;  was  afterward 


222  GRADUATES  FROM    MIDDLETOWN. 

colleague  with  Rev.  John  Tyler,  in  Christ  Church  in 
Norwich  city,  and  after  his  death,  rector,  laboring  there, 
in  both  capacities,  more  than  twenty  years.  He  was 
then  preceptor  of  the  Episcopal  Academy  in  Cheshire, 
about  six  years  and  a  half,  where  he  died  June  24th, 
1851.  His  body  was  brought  to  his  native  place  for  in- 
terment. 

Enoch  Huntington,  1821.  Studied  theology  in  Nor- 
walk  in  1822  and  '23,  and  preached  in  Pennsylvania  and 
Connecticut  from  1823  to  1826,  was  rector  of  the  Epis- 
copal Church  in  New  Milford,  from  1827  to  1846,  and  is 
now  living  in  Bridgeport. 

Phineas  Bacon  Wilcox,  1821,  studied  law  in  Colum- 
bus, Ohio,  in  1822  and  23,  where  he  has  practised  law 
since  that  time. 

Timothy  Rogers,  1823.  Was  afflicted  with  feeble 
health,  did  not  study  a  profession  ;  died  in  1829. 

William  Edward  Hurlbut,  1824.  Was  clerk  in  Mid- 
dletown  Bank  ;  died  Sept.  19th,  1845  aged  42. 

Jabez  Brooks  Hubbard,  1825.  Was  merchant  in 
New  York  ;  is  now  occupied  in  a  counting  room. 

Simeon  North,  1825.  Tutor,  LL.  D.  S.  T.  D.,  stud- 
ied theology  in  New  Haven,  professor  in  Hamilton  Col- 
lege, N.  Y.,  now  president  of  that  institution. 

Charks  Bezakel  Fisk,  1826.  Son  of  John  Fisk,  Esq., 
an  engineer,  much  employed  and  greatly  esteemed,  in 
his  profession,  living  in  the  city  of  Washington. 

Samuel  Gaylord,  1826.  A  young  man  of  much 
promise,  died  on  the  14th  of  November  following  his 
graduation. 

Samuel  Lee,  1827.  Studied  theology  in  New  Haven, 
is  stated  supply  at  Mantua,  Ohio. 

Thomas  Robinson  Hubbard,  1829.  Studied  law  at 
Dayton,  Ohio,  and  settled  as  a  lawyer,  firm  of  Ballistier 
&  Hubbard,  Chicago,  111. ;  is  now  corresponding  clerk 
in  the  Bank  of  Commerce,  N.  Y.  city. 

Phineas  Timothy  Miller,  1833,  M.  D.  Kept  an 
apothecary  store  in  New  Haven,  where  he  died  in  1850. 

William  Huntington  Russell,  1833,  M.  D.,  Tutor.  He 
and  Mr.  Stiles  French,  are  the  principals  of  a  very  im- 
portant school  in  New  Haven,  styled  the  "  Collegiate 


GRADUATES    FROM    MIDDLETOWN.  223 

and  Commercial  Institute,"  in  which  the  design  is  "  to 
secure  to  boys,  at  as  early  an  age  as  possible  a  thorough 
English  education,  and  upon  this  as  a  basis,  to  give  a 
critically  accurate  preparation  for  any  year  in  College, 
or  for  commercial  business." 

James  Burnet  Crane,  1838.  Studied  law  with  John- 
son &  Kent  in  New  York  city,  where  he  practised  some 
time.  He  has  given  up  the  profession  of  law,  and  is  now 
studying  theology  at  Princeton. 

Charles  Chauncey  WJiittksey,  1838.  Studied  law 
with  Jonathan  Barnes,  Esq.,  went  to  St.  Louis,  Missouri, 
in  1840,  where  he  is  now  practising  law. 

John  Smith  Kelley,  1840.  Was  a  teacher,  and  for  a 
time  preceptor  of  Brainerd  Academy  in  Haddam.  Died 
while  a  student  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  Dec,  29th  1844,  aged  24. 

Henry  Dana  Jlrtemas  Ward,  1842.  Son  of  H.  D.  A, 
Ward,  before  mentioned,  studied  law  with-  Jonathan 
Barnes,  Esq.,  and  at  the  Law  School  in  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  and  also  in  Detroit,  where  he  is  now  settled  as  a 
lawyer. 

George  Walter  Crane,  1850.  Died  one  week  after 
graduation,  Aug  22d,  1850,  aged  22. 


Middlebury  College,  Ver. 

John  P.  H.  Henshaw,  1808.  Studied  theology,  was 
rector  of  an  Episcopal  Church  in  the  city  of  Baltimore. 
Is  now  Bishop  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Rhode  Is- 
land, Died  in  Maryland,  while  officiating  for  Bishop 
Whittingham,  July  20th,  1852, 


Wesleyan    University* 

Samuel  Livingston  Mather,  1835.     W"a3  a  mercnant 
for  a  time  in  New  York ;    has  since  studied  law,  and  is 
now  practising  in  Cleveland,  Ohio. 
19 


224  GRADUATES    FROM    MIDDLETOWN. 

T/ieodore  Hinsdale,  1836.  Studied  law  and  is  prac- 
tising in  the  city  of  New  York. 

Loudon  B.  Ward,  1842.  Taught  school  in  Virginia 
several  years ;  now  resides  in  Middle  town. 

Ebenezcr  Tracy  Whittlesey,  1843.  Studied  law  for  a 
time,  but  has  relinquished  the  study  and  is  now  pursu- 
ing mercantile  business  in  San  Francisco,  California. 

Jlbram  J.  Wright,  1843.  Is  a  merchant  in  New 
York  city. 

Jonathan  Kelsey  Burr,  1845.  Studied  theology  at 
the  Union  Theological  Seminary  in  New  York ;  is  now  a 
member  of  the  New  Jersey  Methodist  Episcopal  Confer- 
ence, and  preaches  in  that  State. 

$ilas  W.  Robbins,  1847.  Studied  theology  at  Yale 
College,  is  a  Congregational  minister  and  now  preaches 
in  Meriden. 

Perry  Child  Smith,  1847.  Studied  law  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  where  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1851. 
He  is  now  in  Albany. 

Jonathan  E.  Barnes,  1848.  Is  studying  theology  at 
Yale  College. 

Joseph  Ji.  Bailey,  1849.  Studied  theology  at  the 
Baptist  Theological  Seminary  in  Newton,  and  is  now 
pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Essex. 

Theophilus  Bradbury  Chandler,  1850.  Is  a  preacher, 
labored  a  while  in  Plymouth,  is  now  stationed  at  Haddam. 

Ira  E.  Chase,  1850.  Present  residence  and  employ- 
ment not  ascertained. 


Graduate  from  Middlefield,  not  mentioned  in  the  Ad- 
dress, &c. 

Brown    University. 

Curtis  Coe,  17 76.  Studied  theology,  was  settled  over 
the  Congregational  Church  in  Durham,  N.  H.,  Nov.  1st, 
1780,  and  dismissed  May  1st,  1805.  He  -died  at  New- 
market, June  7th  1829,  aged  79. 


GRADUATES   FROM   MIDDLETOWN.  225 

Oliver  Wetmore,  born  in  Middletown  and  for  a  time  a 
merchant  in  the  city,  moved  to  Western  New  York, 
when  that  part  of  the  State  was  very  new,  and  entered 
the  ministry.  He  died  at  Utica,  Jan.  1st,  1852,  aged 
77.  An  obituary  notice  of  him  declares  him  to  have 
been  an  eminent  Presbyterian  clergyman ;  a  descendant 
of  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards,  father  of  President  Ed- 
wards, and  in  a  direct  line  from  Elder  William  Brewster 
of  the  Mayflower. 

All  the  graduates  from  Westfield  Society  are  noticed 
elsewhere. 


NEWSPAPERS  IN  MIDDLETOWN. 


In  1785,  the  same  year  in  which  Middlesex  county 
was  formed  a  printing  office  was  established  in  the  city 
by  William  Woodward  & Green.  This  publish- 
ed the  Middlesex  Gazette.  Sometime  after,  Mr.  Green 
withdrew  from  the  concern,  and  Mr.  Woodward  continu- 
ed it  until  about  1797,  when  he  sold  it  to  Tertius  Dun- 
ning, who  published  it  until  his  decease  in  Oct.  1823. 
His  son  Charles  Dunning  continued  it  until  it  was  sold 
by  the  administrator  of  his  father's  estate,  to  Epaphras 
&  Horace  Clark,  in  1824.  They  sold  it  to  Theodore 
N.  Parmelee  and  Edwin  T.  Greenfield,  in  July,  1828. 
About  a  year  after  this,  Mr.  Parmelee  sold  his  interest 
in  it  to  Mr.  Greenfield,  who  continued  it  until  the  year 
1830,  when  Mr.  Parmelee  took  it  again  and  published  it 
two  years.  It  was  then  sold  to  Edwin  Hunt,  and  the 
late  Samuel  W.  Griswold,  Esq.,  was  its  editor.  Mr. 
Hunt  continued  it  but  a  short  time  and  then  it  passed 
into  the  hands  of  Joseph  Longking,  jr.  The  publication 
of  this  paper,  having  been  in  the  hands  of  so  many 
partners  and  individuals,  publishers  or  editors,  sometimes 
circulating  more  and  sometimes  less  within  Middlesex 
county  and  beyond  it,  ceased  in  1834. 

Soon  after  the  cessation  nf  *iiis  paper,  George  F. 
Clrnsted.  commenced  a  paper,  called  the  New  England 
Advocate,  using  the  same  apparatus  with  which  the  Ga- 
zette had  been  published.  The  Advocate  ceased  in  1836, 
but  the  presses  are  now  owned  by  Charles  H.  Pelton, 
and  are  used  by  him  in  book  and  job  printing. 

In  Jan.,  1814,  Loomis  &  Richards  started  a  paper  in 
Middletown,  styled  the  "  Connecticut  Spectator."  In 
Feb.  or  March,  1815,  Loomis  disposed  of  his  interest  in 
the  paper  to  Richards,  who  continued  it  a  year  or  two 
longer. 

The  American  Sentinel  was  established  in  the  city,  and 
the  first  number  of  the  paper  issued  Jan.  1,  1823,  by 


NEWSPAPEES    IN    MIDDLETOWN.  22V 

William  D.  Starr  and  William  H.  Niles,  under  the  firm 
of  Starr  &  Niles.  Mr.  Niles  retired  from  the  concern 
in  1827,  and  Mr.  Starr  became  the  sole  proprietor. 
Mr.  H.  W.  Green  established  the  "  Witness,"  in  Jan., 
1832,  and  after  publishing  thirty-two  numbers,  discon- 
tinued it  as  a  separate  paper  and  it  was  united  with  the 
Sentinel  on  the  14th  of  August,  in  the  same  year  ;  the 
title  being  changed  to  that  of  Sentinel  and  Witness  ; 
Mr.  Starr  continuing  the  sole  proprietor  until  March 
25th,  1851,  when  he  took  his  son,  William  J.  Starr  and 
William  H.  Dunham,  into  company  with  him,  the  latter 
however  leaving  in  October  following.  The  Sentinel  & 
Witness  is  now  published  by  the  original  founder,  W. 
D.  Starr,  and  his  oldest  son,  W.  J.  Starr,  under  the 
firm  of  W.  D.  Starr  &  Co. 

The  Constitution,  a  weekly  newspaper,  was  commenc- 
ed by  Abner  Newton,  jr.,  on  the  first  Wednesday  of 
Jan.  1838,  and  is  still  continued  by  him.  Mr.  Newton 
issued  a  daily  newspaper  from  the  Constitution  office, 
July  1st,  1847,  the  first  paper  of  the  kind  published  in 
the  city,  but  he  continued  it  no  longer  than  until  the 
10th  of  July  following. 

The  Daily  News.  This  was  the  first  serious  attempt 
at  the  establishment  of  a  Daily  paper  in  Middletown, 
and  was  commenced  by  J.  N.  Phelps  &  Co.,  in  Oct., 
1850.  In  March,  1851,  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  W. 
B.  Casey  &  Co.,  who  continued  its  publication  until 
Oct.,  1851,  when  its  circulation  being  limited,  and  the 
Editor's  time  taken  up  with  his  other  professional  duties, 
it  was  discontinued. 

The  News  and  Advertiser,  a  weekly  paper  published 
at  the  same  office,  was  started,  Jan.,  1851,  and  continu- 
ed as  a  Neutral  or  independent  paper,  until  July,  1852. 
when  it  was  enrolled  in  the  Whig  ranks  and  advocated 
the  election  of  Gen'l  Scott  to  the  Presidency. 


LISTS  OF  OFFICERS  OF  THE  TOWN  AXD 
CITY  OF  MIDDLETOWN— JUDGES  OF  MID- 
DLETOWN PROBATE  DISTRICT POST- 
MASTERS—COLLECTORS OF  CUSTOMS. 


Town  Clerks. 

These  Officers  in  Middletown  were  first  called  Re- 
corders, afterwards  Registers,  or  Town  Clerks. 

The  following  table  contains  the  names  of  such  as 
have  held  the  office  in  succession,  together  with  the  year 
of  their  first  appointment. 

Robert  Webster,     appointed  in  1653. 

William  Smith,  "  1656. 

John  Hall,  "  "  1665. 

Nathaniel  White,  "  1695. 

John  Hamlin,  "  1696. 

Joseph  Rockwell,  "  1708. 

Jabez   Hamlin,  "  "  1734. 

William  Rockwell,  "  l<  173-3. 

Joseph  Clark,  "  "  1705. 

Bezaliel  Fisk,  "  "  1777. 

John  Fisk,  "  "  1797. 

Thomas  G.  Mather,  "  "  1847. 

Elihu  Spencer,  "  "  1849. 

E.  W.  N.  Starr,  "  "  1851. 


Justices  of  the  Peace  in  Middletown. 

Justices  of  the  Peace  in  Middletown,  appointed  be- 
fore the  adoption  of  the  present  constitution  of  the  State. 
Lists  of  later  justices  have  not  been  collected.  Those  to 
whom  U.  H.  are  attached,  lived  in  the  Upper  Houses, 


JUSTICES    IN    MIDDLETOWN. 


229 


now  Cromwell;  those  to  whom  M.  is  attached  lived  in 
Middlefield,  those  to  whom  W.,  in  Westfield. 


Names. 

Robert  Webster,  U.  H., 

Hon.  Giles  Hamlin, 

Nathaniel  White,  U.  H., 

Thomas  Ward, 

Hon.  John  Hamlin, 

Israhiah  Wetmore, 

Giles  Hall, 

Joseph  Southmayd, 

Seth  Wetmore, 

George  Phillips, 

Joseph  Clark, 

Hon.  Titus  Hosmer, 

Thomas  Johnson,  U.  H., 

Hon.  Jabez  Hamlin, 

Col.  Matthew  Talcott, 

Gen.  Samuel  Holden  Parsons, 

Doct.  John  Dickinson. 

Nathaniel  Chauncey,  U.H., 

Philip  Mortimer, 

Elijah  Tread  way, 

Isaac  Miller,  M., 

Gen.  Comfort  Sage, 

Hon.  Asher  Miller, 

Benjamin  Williams, 

Nathaniel  Gilbert,  W., 

Chauncey  Whittlesey, 

Hon.  Samuel  W.  Dana, 

Hon.  S.  Titus  Hosmer, 

Matthew  T.  Russell, 

Elijah  Hubbard, 

Nehemiah  Hubbard, 

Ebenezer  Sage, 

Isaac  Gridley,  U.  H., 

Amos  Sage, 

Amos  Churchell,  W., 

Col.  Lemuel  Storrs, 

Ebenezer  Roberts,  2d,  W., 

Capt.  John  Pratt, 

William  Plumbe, 

Elijah  Hubbard,  2d, 

Alexander  Collins, 

Richard  Alsop, 

Samuel  Eells,  U.  H., 

Eli  Coe,  M., 

Samuel  Wetmore, 


Died  or  moved  from  toivn. 

Moved  to  Hartford  1659. 
Sept.  1,  1689. 
Aug.  27,  1711, 

Jan.  2,  1733, 

Feb.  11,  1750, 

June    8,  1772, 

April  12,  1778, 

Feb.         1778, 

April  21,  1778, 

April    4,1780, 

Dec.   26,  1774, 

April  25,  1791, 

Aug.  29,  1802, 

Moved  to  Marietta,  Ohio. 

Oct.    3,  1811, 

Sept.    3,  1798, 

March  15,  1794, 

June  10,  1792, 

July    20,  1817, 

March  14.  1799, 

Dec.  24,  1821, 

June  15,  1812, 

Moved  from  town. 

March  14,  1812, 

July  21,  1830, 

Aug.    6,  1834, 

Nov.  13.  1828, 

May  30,  1808, 

Feb.    6,  1836, 

Dec.  19,  1834, 

Nov.  15,  1836, 

Feb.  15,  1820. 

Moved  from  town. 

Nov.  29,  1816, 

Aug.  29,  1840, 

Dec.  27,  1824, 

June   2,  1843, 

Dec.    4,  1846, 

Sept.  14,  1815, 

Aug.  20,  1815, 

Moved  from  town. 

March  27,  1835, 

Moved  from  town. 


Ages. 


230 


JUSTICES    IN    MIDDLETOWN. 


Jozeb  Stocking,  U.  H., 

Josiah  Sage,  U.  H., 

Gen.  Chaunccy  VVhittlesey, 

Levi  H.  Clark, 

Samuel  Gill, 

Daniel  J.  Griswold,  W., 

Alexander  Wolcott, 

Elisha  Coe,  M., 

Seth  Paddock, 

Arthur  W.  Magill, 

Major  A.  Andrews, 


June  29,  1841, 
Sept.  15,  1839, 
Dec.  24,  1834, 
Moved  from  town. 
Oct.  4,  1826, 
July  10,  1847, 
June  2G,  182S, 
Dec.  1,  1831, 
May  13,  1839, 
Moved  from  town. 
Moved  from  town. 


87. 
07. 
51. 

46. 
65. 
69. 
68. 
83. 


OFFICERS  OF  THE  CITY  OF  MIDDLETOWN. 

Mayors. 

from  July  13,  1784,  till  his  death  April  25,  1791.* 

"  1792,  till  his  death  Dec.  24,  1821. 

"  1822,  till  1830. 

»  1830,  till  1838. 

,  "  1838,  till  his  death,  1839. 

"  1840,  till  1842. 

1842,  till  he  resigned  in  Ap'l  1843. 
,  "  April  23,  1843,  till  1846. 

"  1816,  till  1850. 

"  1850,  till  he  resigned  in  Nov.  1850. 

,  "  Nov.  22,  1850,  till 


Hon.  Jabez  Ilamlin, 
"     Asher  Miller, 
"     Samuel  \V.  Dana, 
Elijah  Hubbard,  Esq., 
Richard  Hubbard,  Esq 
Hon.  S.  D.  Hubbard, 
"     Noah  A.  Phclps, 
Charles  R.  Alsop,  Esq. 
Ilornee  Clark,  Esq., 
Dr.  William  B.  Casey, 
Benjamin  Douglas,  Esq. 


City  Clerks. 

Bezalccl  Fisk,     from  July  13,  1784,  till '  released  from  office,'  Jan.,  1785. 

Benj.  Hcnshaw,      "    Jan.        1785,  till  1786. 

Ezekiel  Woodruff, "  1786,  till  1790. 

William   Brown,     "  1790,  till  1793. 

John  Fisk,  "  1793,  till  1818. 

Henry  Wolcott,      "  1818,  till  1819. 

John  Fisk,  "  1819,  till  his  death  February  22,  1847. 

E.  B.  Tompkins,  "Feb.  22,  1847, 

*  At  the  first  city  meeting,  July  13,  1784,  Jabcz  Hamlin  was  elected 
Mayor,  and  he  continued  in  office  without  the  formality  of  a  re-election, 
till  1788,  when  he  tendered  his  resignation.  Ho  was  however  persuaded 
to  retain  the  dignity  of  the  office,  and  appears  to  have  done  so  until  his 
death,  while  the  duties  were  performed  by  Asher  Miller,  the  senior  alder- 
man. After  Mr.  Miller's  election,  Elijah  Hubbard,  father  of  the  mayor 
above  mentioned,  then  senior  alderman,  presided  a  part  of  the  time  in  tho 
meetings  of  the  city  authorities.  This  was  doubtless  the  fact  while  Mr. 
M.  was  absent  surveying  lands  about  Yazoo  river. 


OFFICERS    OF   THE    CITY    OF   MIDDLETOWN         231 

Treasurers. 

Nehemiah  Ilubbard,    from  1795  to  1800  inclusive. 
Matthew  T.  Russoll,    "      1801  to  1816. 
John  Fisk,  "      1817  till  his  death. 

Elihu  B.  Tompkins,       "      1847. 

It  will  be  perceived  that  in  1817,  and  again  in  1819, 
and  thence  forward  the  offices  of  clerk  and  treasurer 
were  united  in  Mr.  Fisk,  and  that  they  have  been  thus 
united  since  in  Mr.  Tompkins. 


OFFICERS  OF  BANKS. 


MIDDLETOWN  BANK,  was  incorporated  in  Oct.,  1795, 
but  for  some  reason  did  not  go  into  operation  until  the 
Spring  of  1801.  Perhaps  the  reason  lay  in  the  embar- 
rassments which  befel  the  trade  of  the  place  about  the 
close  of  the  last  century.  This  has  now  (March  1852,) 
a  capital  of  $369,300. 

Presidents  of  this  Bank. 

Elijah  Hubbard,  from  May  13,  1801  till  his  death  May  30,  1808. 
Nehemiah  Hubbard,  jr.,  from  Oct.  24,  1808,  till  Jan.  3,  1822,  when  he 

declined  a  re-election. 
Elijah  Hubbard,  (son  of  the  first  President)  from  Jan.  3, 1822,  till  his 

death  Dec.  4,  1846. 
John  H.  Watkinson,  from  Feb.  12, 1847- 

Cashiers. 

Timothy  Southmayd,  from  May  13,  1801,  till  his  death,  Dec.  13,  1821. 
Thomas  Hubbard.  "  Jan.  3,  1822,  till  his  death,  Aug.  27,  WJ&. 
Henry  Carrington,  "  Sept.  2,  1828,  till  his  resignation,  May,  re5o. 
Dyer  Ames,  jr.,  "  June  13, 1836,  till  his  resignation,  Oct.,  1844. 

John  H.  Watkinson,  "  Oct.  12,  1844,  till  his  resignation,  Feb.  1847. 
Frederick  L.  Gleason,  "  Feb.  12,  1847. 


MIDDLESEX  COUNTY  BANK,  incorporated  May,  1830, 
has  now  a  capital  of  $327,300. 

Presidents. 

Henry  L.  De  Koven,  from  Sept.     1,  1830,  till  he  resigned  April  11, 1832. 
Joseph  W.  Alsop,         "    May    3,1831,    «  April  19, 1832. 


232  OFFICERS    OF   BANKS. 

Henry  L.  De  Koven,  April  19,  1832,    "  Dec.  19,1835. 

Samuel  Russell,  Dec.    19,  1835,  "  July  3,  1839. 

William  C.  Bowers,  July     3,  1839,  "  July  7,  1841. 

Samuel  Russell,  July     7,  1841,  "  July  1,  1846. 

Charles  R.  Sebor,  July     6,  1846. 

Cashiers. 

Samuel  Cooper,  from  Sept.  10,  1830,  till  his  resignation,  NOT,  2,  1830. 
Charles  Foote,  "  Nov.  2,  1830,  till  his  resignation,  Sept.  13,  1831 
Eleazer  Lacey,  ««  Oct.  8,1831,  «  «'  Jan.  4,1847.. 

William  S.  Camp,    "    Jan.    4,  1847.* 


MIDDLETOWN  SAVINGS  BANK,    was  incorporated  in 
May,  1825,  and  organized  in  June  following. 

Presidents. 

Nehemiah  Hubbard,  from  June,  1825,  till  his  death  in  1837. 
Richard  Rand,  "  1837,  till  his  death  in  1844. 

Joseph  Taylor,  "  1844. 

Secretaries  and  Treasurers. 
Ebenezer  G.  Southmayd,  from  June  1825,  till  1832. 
Samuel   Southmayd,  "  1832,  till  1837. 

Henry  S.  Ward,  ,       "  1837,  till  1843. 

Henry  Carrington,  "  1843. 


THE  CENTRAL  BANK,  incorporated  in  May  1851,  has 
a  capital  of  $150,000,  and  began  operations  in  Novem- 
tyjr  of  the  same  year. 

President,  Charles  Woodward. 
Cashier,  Henry  D.  Smith. 


*  The  Branch  Bank  of  the  United  States,  kept  in  the  same  building 
now  occupied  by  the  M.  C.  Bank,  began  its  operations  in  Sept.,  1817, 
and  was  moved  to  Hartford  in  1824  or  '25.  Samuel  W.  Dana,  was  presi- 
dent of  this  bank,  from  1817  until  about  1819,  when  Enoch  Parsons  was 
appointed  president,  and  held  the  office  till  its  operations  were  closed 
about  1835.  Arthur  W.  Magill,  was  cashier  from  1817,  till  about  1822, 
when  Joshua  P.  Burnham  was  appointed,  and  held  the  office  till  the  bank 
was  closed. 


MIDDLESEX    MUTUAL    ASSURANCE  COMPANY.       233 

MIDDLESEX  MUTUAL  ASSURANCE  COMPANY,  Mid- 
dletown, Conn.  Charter  granted,  May  1836,  com- 
menced business,  June  1836. 

Presidents. 

Richard  Hubbard,  June  1836. 
Samuel  Cooper,  Sept.  1839. 

Secretaries  and  Treasurers. 

John  L.  Smith,  June,  1836. 
William  Woodward,  June,  1838. 
Stephen  Taylor,  June,  1849. 


MIDDLETOWN  PROBATE   DISTRICT. 

This  District  was  formed  in  1752,  and  included  Chat- 
ham, with  the  exception  of  that  part  lying  south  of  Sal- 
mon river,  the  part  of  Berlin  which  at  first  belonged  to 
Middletown,  Haddam  and  Durham.  The  parts  of  this 
District  east  of  the  Connecticut  were  detached  from  it  in 
1824,  upon  the  formation  of  Chatham  District ;  and  at 
the  same  time  the  part  of  Berlin,  just  named,  was  de- 
tached from  it,  upon  the  formation  of  Berlin  District. 
Haddam,  west  of  the  Connecticut,  was  detached  from  it 
in  1830,  and  made  a  separate  district,  in  connection  with 
Haddam  Neck.  Middletown  District  now  embraces 
the  present  towns  of  Middletown,Durham  and  Cromwell. 

Successive  Judges. 
Hon.  Jabez  Hamlin,  of  Middletown,  appointed  May,  1752. 


Hon.  Asher  Miller, 
Dr.  John  Dickinson, 
Hon.  Asher  Miller, 
John  Alsop, 
Stillman  K.  Wightman- 
Augustus  Cook, 
Stillman  K.  Wightman, 
Samuel  Cooper, 
Linus  Coe, 
Samuel  Cooper, 


1789. 
1793. 
1807. 
1822. 
1832. 
1834. 
1835. 
1838. 
1842. 
1844, 


MIDDLETOWN     PROBATE    DISTRICT. 


Linus  Coe, 
Samuel  Cooper, 
Elihu  Spencer, 
Noah  A.  Phelps,* 


of  Middletown,  appointed  May,  1846. 
«  »  »        1847. 

«  «  "        1849. 

«  "  "        1850. 


MIDDLETOWN 


Winslow  Hobby, 
Thaddeus  Nichols, 
Joshua  Stow, 
Samuel  Williams, 
Joshua  Stow, 
E.  W.  N.  Starr, 
Eli  Wilcox, 
Allen  May, 
William  Woodward, 


POST-OFFICE  ESTABLISHED 

IN  1775. 
Post   Masters. 

from  1775  to  Oct.         1807. 

Oct.      1807  to  April      1815. 

April,   1815  to  April,     1818. 

April,    1818  to  Nov.ll,  1821. 

Nov.     1821  to  Feb.  20, 1840. 

Feb.20,1840  to  Oct.    1,  1842. 

Oct.  1,1842  to  May  21, 1845. 

May  27,1845  to  June  14, 1849. 

June  14, 1849. 


COLLECTORS  OF  CUSTOMS. 

The  Collection  District  of  Middletown,  was  establish- 
ed in  1795,  previously  to  Avhich  time  the  towns  on  Con- 
necticut river  were  included  in  the  New  London  District. 

George  Phillips,        of  Middletown,  appointed,  June,  1795. 

Chauncey  Whittlesey,  "  •'  Dec.,  1797. 

*  All  these  Judges  are  now  living  with  the  exception  of  Col.  Hamlin, 
Judge  Miller,  Dr.  Dickinson,  and  Linus  Coe,  Esq.  Mr.  Coe  was  instant- 
ly killed,  Feb.  27,  1852,  as  he  was  crossing  the  Railroad,  between  Xew- 
ington  and  Berlin,  in  a  wagon,  "  the  locomotive  striking  the  horse  and 
the  wagon,  throwing  him  and  the  wagon  on  one  side  and  the  horse  on 
the  other." 

This  awful  event  would  have  produced  strong  sensation  in  any  case. 
But  Mr.  Coe  had  a  large  circle  of  kindred  and  friends  who  greatly  esteem- 
ed him,  had  been  a  prominent  inhabitant  of  Middletown,  sheriff  of  Mid- 
dlesex County  several  years,  judge  of  Probate  for  the  District  of  Middle- 
town,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  was  secretary  of  the  Middlesex  Coun- 
ty Agricultural  Society,  an  office  which  he  had  held  sometime,  and  to  tho 
duties  of  which  he  had  paid  much  attention.  Ho  was  son  of  the  late  Col. 
Elisha  Coo  of  Middlefield,  and  60  years  of  age. 


SKETCH  OF  UPPER  MIDDLETOWN.       235 

Alexander  Wolcott,   of   Windsor,       appointed  Aug.  1801. 

Henry  Wolcott,  of  Middletown,  4  July,  1828. 

Noah  A.  Phelps,  of  Hartford,  «  Mar  ,1821 

Austin  Baldwin,  of  Middletown,  '  April,1841. 

Phillip  Sage,  of  Portland.  «  Oct.    1844. 

William  D.  Starr,  Middletown,  '  Feb.,  1849. 

Samuel  Cooper,  "  "  June,  1849. 

Lists  of  Deputies  to  the  General  Court  from  Middle- 
town,  and  from  the  towns  formed  within  its  original  lim- 
its will  be  given  in  the  close  of  this  work. 


SKETCH  OF   UPPER   MIDDLETOWN,  NOW 
CROMWELL, 

This  township,  while  the  second  society  in  Middletown 
was  called  by  different  names.  At  first  it  was  called 
the  "  North  Society  in  Middletown,"  then  "  Middle- 
town  Upper  Houses,"  or  simply  the  "  Upper  Houses," 
and  then  "  Upper  Middletown."  For  a  long  period  the 
first  name  has  hardly  been  mentioned  or  known  ;  the 
second  was  used  almost  solely  for  a  great  length  of  time, 
and  after  the  third  was  adopted,  it  was  of  the  two  the 
most  frequently  used.  The  society  being  incorporated 
as  a  town  and  named  Cromwell,  in  May,  1851.  This 
distinguished  and  formidable  name  will  probably  sooa 
supersede  all  others. 

The  town  is  bounded  by  Portland  on  the  east,  for  the 
boundary  in  that  direction  extends  to  the  eastern  marg- 
in of  the  river ;  it  has  Rocky  Hill  on  the  north,  Berlin 
on  the  west,  and  Middletown  on  the  south,  being  separa- 
ted from  it,  partly  by  the  northern  branch  of  Little  Riv- 
er, by  Little  River  itself  and  thence  by  a  line  across  the 
Connecticut. 

The  lands  in  this  town  generally  are  good,  some  excel- 
lent. The  lands  of  less  value  are  the  Plains  on  the  north, 
which  by  judicious  management  may  be  made  somewhat 
productive,  and  the  wet  lands  along  the  branch  of  Little 
River,  which  may  be  improved  by  more  thorough  drain-- 
ing. The  lands  to  the  right  and  left  of  Prospect  Hill, 


236        SKETCH  OF  UPPER  MIDDLETOWN. 

and  onward  to  the  meadows  are  fine.  Some  of  these  the 
elder  President  Adams  declared  to  be  as  rich  as  the  soil 
of  Egypt. 

Prospect  Hill  is  thus  designated  by  reason  of  the  ad- 
mirable southern  view  which  it  affords  of  the  Connecti- 
cut, of  the  meadows  and  fields  on  either  side,  of  Port- 
land village,  and  the  city  of  Middletown,  and  of  the 
slopes,  hills  and  mountains  beyond.  The  view  for  a  mile 
onward  along  the  public  road  is  softer,  but  charming. 

The  settlement  commenced  in  Cromwell,  nearly  as 
soon  as  in  Middletown,  and  the  sites  in  both  cases  were 
selected  with  admirable  judgment ;  on  dry  and  rich 
grounds  near  the  Connecticut,  and  as  near  each  other  as 
the  nature  of  the  intermediate  grounds  admitted. 

In  the  Address,  Nathaniel  White,  Samuel  Stocking, 
George  Graves,  Robert  Webster,  Joseph  Smith,  Daniel 
Harris,  John  Martin,  John  Savage,  Thomas  Ranney, 
David  Sage  and  John  Kirby  are  mentioned  as  early  set- 
tlers in  this  place.  With  these  other  settlers  were  soon 
united,  and  the  settlements  spread  to  the  north  and  west. 
The  sons  of  some  of  the  settlers  in  Middletown  came 
and  settled  here.  Other  persons  came  from  different 
places  and  established  themselves  among  them.  Some 
efforts  have  been  made  in  vain  to  find  a  regular  cata- 
logue of  the  inhabitants  in  1703,  at  the  time  they  were 
constituted  the  North  Society  in  Middletown,  and  also  to 
find  their  lists.  But  as  the  Society  were  about  to  settle 
their  first  minister,  a  catalogue  of  the  taxable  persons 
was  made,  together  with  their  lists  annexed,  which  will 
now  be  given.  We  have  arranged  the  surnames  alpha- 
betically, placing  those  of  the  same  name  in  connection. 


NAMES.  LIST. 

James  Brown.  £22  00 

Wm.  Butler,  6  00 

Joseph  Butler,  13  10 

Nathaniel  Clark,  46  14 

Daniel  Clark,  65  10 

Serj.  Clark,  71  17 

John  Clark,  46  00 

Isaac  Cornwell,  24  00 


NAMES.  LIST. 

Samuel  Frovy,  69  00 

Roger  Gipson,  45  10 

Samuel  Gipson,  72  00* 

David  Hurlburt,  37  00 

John  Kirby,  30  00 

Samuel  Lucas,  35  00 

William  Mark,  25  00 

Margaret  Ranney,  3  10 


Joseph  Crowfoot,  18  00  |  Ebenezer  Ranney,  48  18 


SKETCH    OF    UPPER    MIDDLETOWN. 


23T 


NAMES. 

Thomas  Stow,  Jr., 
John  Warner,  Sen., 
John  Warner,  Jun., 
Joseph  White, 
Tns.  White, 
John  White, 
Hugh  White, 
Daniel  White, 
Jacob  White, 
Israel  Wilcox, 
John  Wilcox, 
Francis  Wilcox, 
Samuel  Wilcox, 
Joseph  Whitmore, 

Total, 


LIST. 

£43  00 
77  19 
75  11 
85  00 
85  10 
18  00 
42  00 
49  17 
88  10 

148  05 
57  05 
59  05 
77  00 
44  00 

£2,586  03 


NAMES.  LIST. 

Joseph  Ranney,  £61  05 

John  Ranney,  30  05 

Thomas  Ranney,  120  15 

Wm.  Ranney,  6  10 

Wm.  Sage,  24  00 

Timothy  Sage,  79  05 

John  Sage,  150  00 

Capt.  Savage,  89  02 

Thomas  Savage,  41  10 

William  Savage,  73  00 

Hannah  Scovil,  27  10 

Mary  Scovil,  15  00 

John  Shepherd,  )    7Q  nn 

Edward  Shepherd,  ]     ' 

Samuel  Shepherd,  21  00 

Daniel  Stocking,  59  05 

Samuel  Stow,  39  05 

Thomas  Stow,  Sen.,  42  00 

What  is  now  known  as  the  East-street  in  Worthing- 
ton,  in  the  town  of  Berlin,  belonged  to  this  Society  un- 
til 1T90.  Some  of  the  foregoing  inhabitants  may  have 
located  themselves  in  that  street  as  early  as  1714.  The 
population  of  Upper  Middletown  in  1850,  was  1,275 
souls.  Another  account  says  it  was  1,259,  which  may 
have  been  the  fact  at  a  different  period  in  the  same  year. 

While  the  people  generally  in  this  place  have  pursued 
agriculture  from  the  beginning,  some  in  the  village  early 
began  Ship-building  and  carried  it  on  more  or  less  over 
a  century,  and  for  about  half  the  'time  vessels  were 
built  at  two  yards.  Some  individuals  were  considerably 
concerned  in  navigation,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  last 
century,  and  in  the  beginning  of  the  present  many 
young  men  engaged  in  sea-faring  life,  and  quite  a  num- 
ber first  and  last  had  the  command  of  vessels.* 

But  for  some  years  there  has  been  very  little  Ship- 
building and  navigation  in  Cromwell,  and  few,  hardly 
any  have  followed  the  seas.  But  while  these  branches 
of  business  have  been  stayed,  husbandry  has  been  more 


*  A  notice  of  the  building  of  the  small  Steamboat  "  Experiment "  here 
in  1821,  and  of  its  peculiar  construction,  might  be  properly  given  in  this 
place,  but  we  cannot  afford  the  space  for  it?  insertion. 


SKETCH  OF  UPPER  MIDDLETOWW. 

thoroughly  pursued,  and  numbers  have  turned  their  at- 
tention successfully  to  manufactures.  [See  Mr.  Gor- 
ham's  account  pp.  129-30.] 

Several  neat  houses  were  built  in  the  village  about 
1804,  and  the  place  has  the  appearance  of  thrift  and" 
prosperity.  There  are  five  merchant  stores  in  the 
Town,  which  deal  principally  in  groceries. 

It  has  been  incidentally  mentioned  that  "the  people 
were  formed  into  a  Society  in  1703.  In  January  of 
that  year  the  town  of  Middletown  agreed  that  they 
might  be  a  Society,  provided  they  settled  a  minister  and 
built  a  meeting  house  within  twelve  months  from  that 
time,  and  the  General  Assembly  incorporated  them  at 
their  Session  in  the  following  May.  Their  thoughts  and 
efforts  were  doubtless  directed  at  once  to  both  objects 
specified  in  the  consent  of  the  Town.  And  they  did 
erect  a  meeting-house  in  1703,  or  soon  after,  a  little 
north  of  their  oldest  and  principal  cemetery,  and  did  so 
much  to  it,  that  they  met  in  it  for  public  worship. — 
They  also  employed  candidates  to  preach  to  them,  hop- 
ing that  their  minds  and  hearts  would  be  so  united  in 
some  one  that  they  might  call  him  to  be  their  pastor  and 
settle  him.  In  1709  there  was  a  prospect  that  they 
might  settle  Mr.  Daniel  Doming,  but  the  prospect  fail- 
ed. They  afterward  employed  Rev.  Joseph  Smith,  and 
their  affections  were  so  drawn  towards  him,  that  in 
January  1714,  "  they  agreed  to  allow  him  a  comfortable 
maintainance,"  arid  expressed  an  intention  of  proceed- 
ing in  a  gospel  way  to  settle  him.  In  view  of  his  set- 
tlement they  finished  their  meeting-house,  and  January 
5th,  1715,  the  church  was  organized,  consisting  of  23 
members,  20  of  whom  had  belonged  to  the  church  in 
Middletown,  one  to  some  other  church,  and  two  were  re- 
ceived on  profession.  On  the  same  occasion  Mr.  Smith 
was  installed  their  pastor.  Thus  twelve  years,  and  not 
merely  twelve  months  passed  away,  before  they  had  a 
finished  meeting-house,  and  a  minister  settled  among 
them  to  discharge  statedly  the  duties  of  the  sacred  office. 

When  the  statistical  account  of  Middlesex  County 
was  prepared  more  than  thirty  years  since,  the  writer 
was  informed  that  Mr.  Smith  was  a  native  of  Concord,, 


SKETCH  OF  UPPER  MIDDLETOWN.       239 

Mass.;  but  it  has  since  been  ascertained  that  he  was  a 
son  of  Philip  Smith  of  Hadley,  who  made  provision  in 
his  will  for  his  having  a  public  education.  He  was 
graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1695,  and  soon  after 
began  to  instruct  the  Grammar  School  in  Hadley,  usu- 
ally called  the  Hopkins  Academy.  He  afterwards 
taught  a  school  in  Springfield,  continuing  in  the  two 
places  until  1700.  Subsequently  he  was  chaplain  to 
the  garrison  in  Brookfield,  preaching  to  the  garrison  and 
people  of  the  town,  and  receiving  his  support  from  the 
Colony  of  Massachusetts.  "  In  1708  he  went  to  Co- 
hancy,  in  Cumberland  county,  New  Jersey,  and  was 
ordained  pastor  of  Cohancy  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia  May  10,  1709.  Having  preached  there 
about  two  years  he  came  to  Greenwich,  Conn.,  and 
preached  there  a  short  time,  and  thence  he  came  to  the 
Upper  Houses,,  where  he  died  in  office  Sept.  8,  1736, 
aged  62»  His  wife  was  Esther  Parsons,  daughter  of 
Joseph  Parsons  of  Northampton  and  Springfield.  She 
died  May  30,  1760,  in  the  89th  year  of  her  age."* 
Mr.  Smith  possessed  more  property  than  clergymen, 
generally,  and  had  a  larger  library. 

Some  time  before  the  death  of  Mr.  Smith,  the  thoughts 
of  the  people  were  directed  to  the  preparation  of  a 
second  house  for  the  worship  of  God,  and  as  their  pro- 
ceedings may  throw  some  light  on  their  circumstances, 
and  on  the  ^customs  of  that  period,  it  may  be  well  to  ad- 
vert to  them  for  a  moment.  Nov.  21, 1734  u  two  thirds 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  North  Society,  declared  that  it 
was  of  necessity  that  a  new  Meeting-house  should  be 
built  in  said  Society."  Again  on  the  28th  of  the  same 
month  the  "  Society  agreed  to  begin  to  cut  timber  for 
their  Meeting-house  at  the  end  of  January  or  beginning 
of  February."  But  more  than  a  year  elapsed  after 
the  last  mentioned  date,  before  they  were  ready  to  raise 
the  frame,  and  that  was  no  small  concern  ;  for  the  tim- 
bers were  very  large,  and  such  machinery  was  not  then 
used  as  is  now  employed  in  putting  up  frames.  Accor- 


*  Foote  Genealogy,  by  N.  Goodwin,  pp.  280. 
*  20 


SKETCH  OF  UPPER  MIDDLETOW5T. 

dingly  on  the  21st  of  March  1735-6,  (1736  as  we  now 
date,)  the  Society  appointed  Serj.  Shepherd,  Hugh 
White  and  Capt.  John  Warner  to  order  for  the  provid- 
ing of  the  dinners,  for  the  raising  of  the  Meeting-house, 
and  the  Society  to  be  divided  into  three  parts,  each  part 
to  provide  the  dinner  they  are  ordered  to  provide  it." 

"  At  the  same  meeting  the  Society  agreed  that  what 
drinks  are  expended  in  raising  the  Meeting-house,  shall 
be  borne  by  the  Society  excepting  what  shall  be  drunk 
with  their  vituals." 

This  year  the  house  was  prepared  for  occupancy. 
It  was  55  feet  in  length,  and  36  in  breadth,  and  was 
used  as  a  sanctuary  for  more  than  a  century. 

Edward  Eells,  son  of  Rev.  Edward  Eells,  pastor  of 
the  2d  church  in  Scituate,  Mass.,  graduate  of  Harvard 
College  1733,  was  the  'successor  of  Mr.  Smith.  He 
was  ordained  Sept.  6.  1738,  and  died  Oct.  12,  1776, 
aged  64.  He  acquired  some  celebrity  from  a  pamphlet 
which  he  published  respecting  the  "  Wallingford  case  " 
in  1759.  He  preached  at  the  State  Election  in  1767, 
and  was  trustee  of  Yale  College  from  1761  until  his 
death. 

One  of  his  sons,  Edward  Eells,  was  a  Continental 
Captain  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  died  in  his 
native  place  Dec.  8,  1787,  aged  47.  Three  of  his  sonsr 
James,  Samuel  and  Ozias  were  educated  at  Yale,  and 
became  pastors  of  churches  ;  James  in  East  Glasten- 
bury,  Samuel  in  North  Branford*  and  Ozias  in  Bark- 
hamsted. 


*  Concerning  Rev.  Samuel  Eells  a  recent  History  of  North  Branford 
says:  that  "being  a  man  of  much  versatility  of  talent,  he  practised  to 
some  extent  among  his  own  people  as  a  physician  for  the  body,  as  well  aa 
a  watchman  for  souls.  From  one  incident  in  his  life,  which  has  been 
preserved  in  the  memories  of  his  people,  it  would  seem  that  he  was  like- 
wise capabfe,  as  necessity  required  of  wielding  either  carnal  or  spiritual 
weapons.  His  ministry  embraced  the  trying  and  eventful  period  of  our 
Revolutionary  struggle.  On  one  occasion  in  the  early  part  of  the  year 
1777,  when  Washington  was  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York,  his  whole  force 
not  amounting  to  more  than  fifteen  hundred  men,  he  called  upon  the  peo- 
ple of  Connecticut  to  send  down  with  all  dispatch  their  quota  of  troops. 


S1TETCH    OF   UPPER    MIDDLETOAVN.  241 

Gershom  Buckley,  native  of  Rocky  Hill,  and  gradu- 
ate of  Yale  College  1770,  was  the  successor  of  Mr. 
Eells.  He  was  ordained  pastor  June  17,  1778  and  dis- 
missed, pursuant  to  an  agreement  between  him  and  his 
people  July  7,  1808.  He  died  April  7,  1832,  aged  84. 

Joshua  L.  Williams,  son  of  Rev.  Joshua  Williams, 
succeeded  Mr.  Buckley.  He  was  born  in  Wethersfield,. 
graduated  at  Yale  in  1805,  and  ordained  June  14,  1809. 
He  was  a  judicious,  devoted  and  useful  minister,  attend- 
ed faithfully  to  the  Schools  in  his  parish,  and  taught 
lads  in  his  house.  He  died  Dec.  29, 1832,  aged  48. 

Zebulon  Crocker,  native  of  Wellington,  graduate  of 
Yale  1827,  studied  theology  at  New  Haven  one  year, 
became  pastor  of  the  church  May  2,  1833,  and  died 
Nov.  14,  1847,  aged  45.  He  stood  high  in  his  class 
when  in  College,  and  had  the  honor  when  he  was  gradu- 
ated of  delivering  the  Greek  oration.  He  was  after- 
Avard  an  important  teacher  in  the  "  Ellington  School.'3' 
Thus  he  Avas  happily  prepared  to  carry  fonvard  the 
education  of  the  young  in  his  parish,  which  had  already 
been  advanced  beyond  that  of  parishes  generally  in  the- 

Tha  intelligence  of  this  requisition  arrived  in  this  place  on  the  Sabbath, 
while  the  people  were  engaged  in  public  worship.  Considering  this  to  bo 
one  of  those  works  of  necessity  which  might  properly  receive  the  atten- 
tion of  his  people  on  the  Sabbath,  Mr.  Eells  communicated  the  important 
intelligence  from  tho  pulpit,  and  requested  at  once  that  those  who  were 
willing  and  ready  to  go  forth  on  this  important  mission,  should  parade  on, 
the  Green,  in  front  of  the  Meeting-house,  immediately  after  service.  Tho 
able  bodied  men  of  this  Society  made  a  ready  response  to  this  unexpected 
summons.  At  the  conclusion  of  service  a  line  was  promptly  formed  on 
the  Green,  and  principally  through  the  agency  and  energy  of  Lieut. 
Samuel  Baldwin,  a  company  was  organized.  This  company,  including itg, 
officers,  consisted  finally  of  60  men,  a  portion  of  whom  belonged  to  tho 
societies  of  Branford  and  Northford.  The  command  of  it  belonged  of 
right  to  Lieut.  Baldwin,  who  with  great  expedition  had  succeeded  in 
gathering  it  together  in  a  short  time.  But  Lieut.  B.  courteously  waved 
his  right  in  favor  of  his  own  minister,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Eells  was  ac- 
cordingly chosen  to  the  captaincy,  (not  chaplaincy !)  of  the  body." — 
His  commission  as  captain  was  signed  by  Gov.  Trumbull,  Jan.  14,  1777, 
and  he  took  the  command,  and  appears  to  have  gone  with  his  company  to 
the  aid  of  Washington.  The  pamphlet  from  which  this  account  is  quo- 
ted, states  further  ;  "  fortunately,  he  and  his  company  had  no  occasion  to 
proceed  to  the  extremities  of  war,  and  he  returned  without  having  killed 
any  body." 


242 


SKETCH    OF    UPPER    MIDDLETOWW. 


vicinity,  and  of  taking  the  lead  in  the  establishment  of 
an  Academy.  As  a  pastor  and  preacher  the  people 
greatly  esteemed  him. 

A  published  work  of  Mr.  Crocker  of  300  large  duo- 
decimo pages,  should  not  be  forgotten,  entitled  the 
"  Catastrophe  of  the  Presbyterian  Church." 

Having  attended  the  General  Assembly  of  the  P. 
Church,  as  a  delegate  from  the  General  Association  of 
Connecticut  in  1887,  when  the  Plan  of  Union  between 
the  said  Assembly  and  Association  was  abrogated  on 
the  part  of  the  former,  and  four  Synods,  embracing  five 
hundred  ministers  and  sixty  thousand  communicants, 
were  excluded  from  it ;  and  deeming  the  exclusion  un- 
justifiable, Mr.  C.  undertook  to  give  a  history  of  the 
Plan  of  Union  and  its  operations,  and  to  set  aside  the 
ground  on  which  the  Assembly  acted.  The  work  con- 
tains much  matter,  and  is  presented  in  a  lucid  style. 

George  Ji.  Bryan,  native  of  Waterbury,  graduate  of 
Yale  1843,  who  studied  theology  at  New  Haven,  sue  • 
ceeded  Mr.  Crocker  June  13,  1849. 

The  number  of  members  admitted  to  the  church  by 
Mr.  Smith,  was  62,  by  Mr.  Eclls  138,  by  Mr.  Buck- 
ley 85r  by  Mr.  Williams  218,  Mr.  Crocker  137,  Mr. 
Bryan  has  admitted  15.  These  admissions,  with  the  23 
members  at  the  organization  make  a  total  of  665.  The 
communicants  Jan  1,  1852,  were  164. 


DEACONS  IN    THE  CHURCH. 

Elected.               Deaths.                    -Ages. 

William  Savage, 

Feb.  10,  1716. 

Samuel  Hall, 

do. 

Reelected  in  E.M 

Samuel  Stow, 

Sept.  28,  1741. 

John  Wileox, 

May  12.  1751. 

68. 

Samuel  Gipson, 

Maroh  18,  1748. 

76. 

Samuel  Shepherd, 

Doc.  3,  1745. 

DrnM  Apl9,1750, 

Isaac  White, 

Jan.  15,  1749. 

June  27,  1769. 

71. 

William  Savage, 

1774 

74. 

Thomas  Johnson,  Esq., 

Jan.  9,  1766. 

Dec.  26.  1774. 

56. 

Joseph  Kirby, 

Nov.  29,  1770. 

Sept.  12,  1783. 

64. 

Solomon  Sago, 

Jan.  26,  1775. 

June  7,  1794. 

74. 

Timothy  Gipson, 

Jnn.  14,  1784. 

Jan.  8,  1814. 

70. 

Amos  Sage, 

Feb   22,  1790. 

Feb.  15,  1820. 

72. 

Jeremiah  Hubbard, 

Dec.  14.  1807. 

Aug.  23,  1808. 

63. 

Bani  Parmelee, 

March  23,  1810. 

Feb.  22,  1837. 

81. 

l«ufus  Sage, 

July  1817. 

March  13,  1826. 

49. 

Joseph  11.  Wileox, 

April  6,  1822. 

Jan.  25,  1852. 

79. 

Isaac  Sage, 

Oct.  29,  1826, 

John  Stevens, 

Sept.  1,  1843. 

SKETCH    OF    UPPLR    MIDDLETOWN.  243 

The  last  year  the  people  gave  about  300  dollars  to 
public  objects  of  Christian  benevolence,  which  may  be 
taken  as  a  fair  average  for  a  number  of  years. 

The  third  church  edifice  is  of  brick,  69  feet  by  44. 
It  was  built  in  1840.  and  cost  $7,500. 

The  society  has  a  parsonage  worth  $2,700.  It  has 
also  some  lands  which  rent  for  $50  per  year. 


BAPTISTS  IN   CROMWELL. 

The  Society  was  formed  Jan.  2,  1801,  and  the  church 
orgaaizcd  Feb.  2,  1802,  consisting  of  16  members. — 
Sixteen  more  were  added  in  the  course  of  that  and  the- 
succeeding  year.  Revivals  were  enjoyed  in  1805,  18, 
'31  and  '43.  The  average  number  of  members  from 
1805  may  have  a  little  exceeded  50.  The  number  Jan. 
1,  1852,  was  70. 

Their  Meeting-house  was  built  in  1803  in  the  West 
street,  46  feet  by  36.  Having  been  removed  to  the 
centre,  it  was  re-opened  for  worship  in  Jan.  1833. 

The  people  have  enjoyed  preaching  generally,  but 
not  uniformly,  and  when  destitute  of  stated  preaching, 
unless  an  elder  came  among  them  for  a  Sabbath,  they 
relied  upon  the  gifts  of  private  members  of  the  church.. 
The  following  is  a  list  of  their  preachers  and  elders. 

Eber  Mojfott  preached  to  them  from  about  the  time 
of  the  organization  of  the  church,  until  the  latter  part- 
of  1803,  or  beginning  of  1804,  about  the  time  of  his. 
death. 

Nehcmiah  Dodge  preached  to  them  a  part  of  1804.. 
Daniel  Wildman  a  portion  of  the  time  from  March  1805 
until  July  1811,  being  called  about  this  time  to  the 
oversight  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Chester,  and  Frederic 
Wightman  preached  to  them  from  1817  until  1832^ 

C harks  B.  Keys  preached  to  them  from  Dec.  3, 1832, 
until  the  Spring  of  1833,  George  B.  Jltwell  from  April 
1834  until  April  1835  ;  John  R.  Price  of  Meriden  from 
Nov.  1836  until  April  1837,  when  Frederic  Wightman 
preached  to  them  again  from,  that  time  until  April  1839. 


244  SKETCH    OF    UPPER    MIDDLETOWN. 

William  Dickins,  a  licentiate  from  the  Hamilton 
Literary  Institution,  preached  to  them  from  Sept.  1839 
to  April  1840  ;  William  Bentky  from  April  1840,  about 
six  years ;  James  Hepburn  commenced  labors  here  in 
1846  and  continued  them  two  years  ;  Joseph  Bailey,  a 
student  in  the  Wesleyan  University  supplied  them  Avith 
preaching  afterwards  six  months. 

George  W.  Hervey,  native  of  Durham  N.  Y.,  grad- 
uate of  the  College  in  the  District  of  Columbia  1847, 
who  studied  theology  in  the  Union  Theological  Seminary 
New  York  city,  began  to  preach  to  the  congregation  in 
the  Autumn  of  1850,  and  labored  among  them  until  the 
beginning  of  April  1852.  He  is  now  in  New  York  city. 

Elder  Charles  W.  Potter,  a  native  of  Norwich,  who 
has  preached  several  years,  succeeds  him. 

For  four  or  five  years  the  people  have  received  assis- 
tance from  the  Baptist  State  Convention.  Towards  the 
support  of  Mr.  Hervey  during  his  last  years  service 
they  received  $25,  and  from  their  sister  church  in  the 
city  of  Middletown  $50. 

The  contributions  of  the  congregation  to  benevolent 
objects  for  some  time  have  been  small,  about  15  dollars 
annually,  given  mostly  for  the  support  of  Baptist 
Foreign  Missions. 

In  1683  the  inhabitants  of  this  place  were  allowed 
their  proportion  of  a  school  rate  in  Middletown,  for  the 
maintenance  of  a  school  among  themselves.  For  many 
years  they  have  had  five  school  districts.  This  is  the 
number  at  the  present  time.  These  as  they  are  now 
organized  are  called,  the  Central  District,  including  the 
former  Nooks  District,  the  South  District,  the  West, 
North  and  Plain  districts.  The  children  in  these  dis- 
tricts, between  4  and  16  years  of  age  were  313. 

The  influence  of  Mr.  Crocker  in  the  cause  of  educa- 
tion has  been  already  noticed.  The  people  were  pre- 
pared to  appreciate  and  second  his  exertions.  A  num- 
ber of  gentlemen  in  1782  united  together  in  an  effort  to 
build  a  new  school  house  in  the  centre,  and  to  sustain  a 
teacher  summer  and  winter.  Their  expressed  design 
was  to  maintain  a  school  which  should  be  superior  to 


SKETCH*  OF  UPPER  MIDDLETOWN.        245 

schools  generally  which  then  existed,  an  object,  which  it 
is  believed  they  in  some  good  degree  accomplished. 

In  1808  a  debating  society  was  formed  which  was 
soon  succeeded  by  the  Friendly  Association^  organized 
on  a  more  enlarged  and  efficient  plan,  and  to  which  the 
property  of  the  Debating  Society  was  transferred.  The 
objects  of  this  association  were,  "  the  discussion  of  ques- 
tions on  various  subjects,  the  recitation  of  dialogues  and 
selected  pieces,  original  composition  and  declamation, 
public  lectures,  together  with  a  permanent  library  for 
the  use  of  the  members."  The  first  meeting  was  held 
Feb.  20,  1810,  with  a  prospect  of  success  which  has 
been  fully  realized.  This  has  already  existed  more 
than  forty  years,  and  is  still  in  vigorous  operation. — 
Meetings  are  usually  held  weekly  by  the  members,  and 
a  course  of  lectures  during  each  winter.  It  has  nearly 
300  members  and  a  library  of  between  4  and  500  vol- 
umes. The  influence  of  the  institution  has  been  to 
create  a  taste  for  reading  and  inquiry,  not  only  among 
the  members,  but  in  the  families  to  which  they  belong, 
to  elicit  and  strengthen  talent  and  elevate  society. 

William  C.  Redfield,  now  of  New  York,  residing  here 
in  early  life,  though  engaged  in  mechanical  labor  mani- 
fested an  ardent  desire  for  knowledge,  and  sought  it  by 
every  means  within  his  reach.  He  was  one  of  the  most 
active  and  efficient  members  of  the  association,  and  while 
his  own  mind  was  quickened  and  expanded,  he  benefitted 
others.  Thus  he  was  preparing  to  become  an  accepta- 
ble contributor  to  the  American  Journal  of  Science  and 
through  that  a  benefactor  to  his  countrymen  and  race. 
Fame  has  justly  followed  him,  particularly  for  his  de- 
velopment of  the  laws  of  storms,  and  his  example  is  one 
additional  proof  how  a  youth  of  small  means,  by  dili- 
gent application  and  good  conduct,  may  rise  to  honorable 
distinction  and  eminent  usefulness. 

The  community  has  felt  the  benefits  of  the  Friendly 
Association ;  I  repeat  the  idea.  Thus  the  people  were 
prepared  to  appreciate  and  second  the  exertions  of  Mr. 
Crocker  in  the  cause  of  education  :  particularly  in  es- 
tablishing and  sustaining  an  academy. 


SKETCH  OF  UPPER  MlDD&ETOWN. 

The  Academy  building  was  erected  in  1834,  and  is 
41  feet  by  26  ;  its  cost  about  $1700. 

Though  the  institution  has  no  permanent  funds,  it  has 
hitherto  been  sustained  mostly  by  the  inhabitants,  it  has 
had  much  of  the  time  on  an  average  about  fifty  scholars, 
Las  accomplished  much  good  and  promises  to  accomplish 
much  good  hereafter.  The  resort  for  instructors  has 
been  to  graduates  of  colleges,  mostly  to  recent  graduates 
and  to  such  as  had  gone  through  with  their  classical 
course  at  Yale  College ;  to  young  men,  who,  while 
possessing  competent  literature  and  science,  were  pro- 
fessors of  religion,  and  looking  forward  to  the  ministry 
of  the  gospel  as  their  profession.  This  being  the  case, 
their  services  as  instructors  were  secured  in  most  in- 
stances, only  for  limited  periods. 

Names,  birth-places  $*c.,  of  the  successive  Instructors. 

Sylvester  Judd,  a  native  of  Northampton,  graduate 
of  Yale  1835,  taught  the  Academy  six  months.  He  is 
now  a  Unitarian  clergyman,  and  was  for  some  time  pas- 
tor of  a  church  in  Augusta,  Maine. 

John  Lord  Taylor,  native  of  Warren,  graduate  of 
Yale  1836  :  tutor.  He  taught  the  academy  six  months, 
and  is  now  settled  in  the  ministry  at  Andover,  Mass. 

Richard  F.  Searle,  graduate  of  Union  College  1835, 
taught  one  year.  He  is  a  Congregational  clergyman. 

Edgar  Jared  Doolittk,  native  of  Wallingford,  grad- 
uate of  Yale  1836,  taught  one  year  and  a  half.  He  is 
now  settled  in  the  ministry  in  Hebron. 

Israel  Perkins  Warren,  native  of  Bethany,  graduate 
of  Yale  1838,  taught  a  year  and  a  half.  Has  been  set- 
tled in  the  ministry  at  Granby  and  Hamden ;  is  now  in 
Plymouth. 

James  Hanmer  Francis,  native  of  Wethersfield,  grad- 
uate of  Yale  1826,  taught  the  academy  one  year.  (See 
clergymen  of  Westfield.) 

George  Thatcher,  native  of  Hartford,  graduate  of 
Yale  1840,  taught  the  academy  one  year.  He  was  first 
settled  in  the  ministry  in  Derby,  then  in  Nantucket, 
Mass.,  is  now  pastor  of  the  Allen  street  church  in  New 
York. 


SKETCH  OF  UtPER  MIDDLETOWN.       247 

Jared  Owen  Knapp,  native  of  Greenwich,  graduate  of 
Yale  1840,  taught  the  academy  three  years.  He  was 
first  settled  in  Plainville,  Conn.,  and  is  now  settled  in 
Hatfield,  Mass. 

Rolkn  D.  H.  Jlllen,  native  of  Middlebury,  Vt.,  grad- 
uate of  Middlebury  College  1841.  He  taught  the 
academy  one  year.  Is  a  clergyman,  not  settled,  resides 
at  Terryville. 

William  Sturges  Wright,  native  of  Glastenbury, 
graduate  of  Yale  1839,  taught  the  academy  five  years. 
He  is  the  stated  supply  of  the  Congregational  church  of 
Middle  Haddam. 

Joseph  Bardwell  Lyman,  native  of  Northampton, 
Mass.,  graduate  of  Yale  1850,  taught  the  academy  six 
months, 

Julius  Yale  Leonard,  native  of  Berkshire,  N.  Y., 
graduate  of  Yale  1851,  is  the  present  instructor. 


PHYSICIANS   IN  CROMWELL. 

Aaron  Roberts.  It  has  been  said  that  he  was  a  na- 
tive of  Portland  ;  but  this  is  very  much  doubted.  He 
began  to  practice  in  Cromwell  in  1757,  and  was  a  sur- 
geon in  the  Revolutionary  War.  In  1783  he  moved  to 
New  Britain  in  Berlin,  to  live  with  his  son,  where  he 
died  Nov.  21,  1792,  in  his  62d  year. 

Solomon  Savage,  practised  from  about  1762  until  his 
death  Jan.  29,  1783,  aged  43. 

Hosea  Hurlburt,  a  native  of  Kensington,  practised 
here  from  1783  until  1790,  moved  to  the  town  of  Kil- 
lingworth. 

Daniel  Lee,  whose  birth  place  we  cannot  state,  prac- 
tised here  from  1784  until  1787,  when  he  moved  to  New 
London. 

Gideon  Noble,  a  native  of  Coventry  probably,  prac- 
tised here  from  1791  to  1802,  when  he  moved  to  South 
Glastenbury.  He  had  a  good  education,  pleasing  man- 
ners, and  acquired  a  respectable  practice  in  both  places. 
He  died  in  1807. 
21 


248  SKETCH   OF    UPPER   MIDDLETOW.N. 

Titus  Morgan,  was  born  in  Westfield,  Mass.  He 
practised  here,  excepting  a  few  months  spent  in  Guil- 
ford,  from  1802  until  his  death,  Nov.  22, 1811,  aged  35. 
He  was  a  gentleman  of  refined  and  poetic  taste,  and 
agreeable  manners  ;  an  intelligent  and  respectable  phy- 
sician. 

William  Meigs  Hand,  born  in  Madison,  was  gradua- 
ted M.  D.,  at  Dartmouth  College  in  1812,  and  proba- 
bly came  immediately  to  Cromwell.  In  1816  he  moved 
to  Worthington  in  Berlin.  He  was  amiable  and  well  in- 
formed, interesting  in  conversation,  and  happy  in  writing 
sketches  and  essays,  a  successful  practitioner  and  a  man 
of  good  moral  character.  He  published  a  pamphlet, 
entitled,  "  A  Trip  to  Ohio,"  and  a  Manual  of  Medicine 
and  Surgery  for  the  family."  He  died  in  1822,  aged  32. 
William  Tulley.  (See  physicians  in  Middletown.) 
David  B.  Brooks,  son  of  Dr.  David  Brooks  of  North 
Guilford,  Yale  College  M.  D.,  commenced  practice  here 
in  1819  and  remained  about  one  year,  when  he  settled  in 
the  city  of  New  York,  where  he  died  July  22,  1830, 
aged  32.  He  is  said  to  have  been  a  popular  man. 

Sylvester  Buckley,  born  in  Rocky  Hill,  graduated  at 
Yale  1810,  was  graduated  M.  D.  at  Dartmouth  in  1812. 
He  began  practice  in  Haddani  Town  in  1813,  and  some 
years  afterwards  practised  in  Chester  and  Higgauum ; 
in  Cromwell  from  1821  to  1830  ;  in  Worthington  from 
1830  until  within  a  recent  period.  He  is  now  in  prac- 
tice in  his  native  place. 

Richard  Warner,  born  in  that  part  of  Hadlyme  So- 
ciety, which  belongs  to  the  town  of  Lyme,  graduate  of 
Yale  College  1817,  M.  D.,  began  practice  in  East  Had- 
dam  in  1823,  moved  to  Cromwell  in  1830,  where  he  has 
constantly  practiced  until  the  present  time. 

NOTE.  The  "virtuous  remains  of  Samuel  Hurlburt  Jr.,  M.  D."  rest 
in  the  old  burial  ground  in  this  town,  but  no  tradition  is  preserved  that 
he  ever  practiced  his  profession,  or  ever  lived  in  this  place.  This  state" 
ment  is  given  as  received. 

Russell  Stow,  native  of  Cromwell,  entered  Yale  Col- 
lege in  1798,  and  left  that  institution  at  the  close  of  his 
Freshman  year  :  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Ebenezer 
Tracy,  commenced  practice  in  Ellisburgh,  Jefferson  Co. 


SKETCH    OF    UPPER    MIDDLETOWN.  249 

N.  Y.j  where  he  continued  several  years  :  he  then  mov- 
ed to  Adams  in  the  same  county,  where  he  still  lives  :  he 
has  had  considerable  practice  in  both  places. 

Robert  Hubbard  M.  D.,  of  Cromwell,  entered  Yale 
College,  but  left  in  consequence  of  ill-health.  He  after- 
wards studied  medicine  and  settled  as  a  practitioner  in 
Bridgeport. 


GRADUATES    FROM    CROMWELL  AT  YALE 
COLLEGE. 

StepJien  White,  son  of  John,  grandson  of  Daniel  and 
great  grandson  of  Nathaniel  White,  repeatedly  men- 
tioned as  an  early  settler,  and  an  highly  honored  inhabi- 
tant of  Middletown,  in  the  part  which  is  now  Cromwell, 
was  born  June  8,  1718,  about  two  years  before  his 
father's  family  moved  to  New  Haven,  where  he  was 
graduated  in  1736.  He  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  first 
church  in  Windham,  Dec.  24,  1740,  and  remained  there 
in  the  pastoral  office  until  his  death  Jan.  9,  1794. 

His  wife  was  Mary  Dyer,  sister  of  Eliphalet  Dyer,  a 
member  of  the  Revolutionary  Congress  and  presiding 
judge  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Connecticut.  He  had 
13  children,  the  youngest  of  whom  was  the  late  Dyer 
White  Esq.,  of  New  Haven,  Judge  of  Probate. 

Daniel  Stocking  1748.  Did  not  enter  upon  any  pro- 
fession, but  was  so  much  occupied  in  teaching  school, 
that  he  acquired  the  title  of  Master  Stocking.  He  died 
Dec.  23,  1800,  aged  73. 

Joseph  Kirby  1765.  WTas  licensed  to  preach,  but 
being  excessively  diffident  and  very  singular,  he  did  not 
succeed  at  all  as  a  candidate ;  at  times  his  appearance 
and  conduct  were  such  that  he  was  deemed  by  some  to 
be  partially  deranged.  He  however  married  and  had 
several  children  ;  lived  some  years  in  Granville,  Mass., 
and  then  in  Dorset,  Vt.,  where  he  died  in  Sept.  1823, 
aged  78. 

Isaac  Gridley  1773.  Was  born  in  Kensington  in 
Berlin,  but  lived  during  most  of  his  childhood  in  New 
Haven.  He  came  to  Cromwell  to  teach  school,  and 


SKETCH    OF    UPPER    MIDDLETOWN. 

•was  much  employed  in  this  service  in  subsequent  life. 
He  was  also  a  justice  of  the  peace.  He  died  Nov.  15, 
1836,  aged  82. 

Timothy  Jones  Gridley  1808.  Studied  medicine  with 
Dr.  Nathan  Smith  at  Dartmouth  College,  where  he  was 
graduated  M.  D.;  settled  as  a  physician  in  Amherst, 
Mass.,  where  he  held  a  high  standing.  Died  March  11, 
1852,  aged  64. 

Chaunccy  Wikox  1824.  Studied  theology  at  New 
Haven,  and  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  North  Church  in 
Greenwich  June  25,  1828,  where  "  he  labored  with  great 
fidelity  and  success  for  eighteen  years,  and  raised  up  an 
infant  church  of  eighteen  members  among  a  scattered 
population,  to  number  more  than  a  hundred.  Three  of 
those  converted  under  his  ministry  entered  the  field  of 
Foreign  Missions,  and  two  still  live  to  labor  there ; 
another  is  a  useful  pastor  in  New  England.  After  the 
spring  of  1847  he  was  'highly  useful  and  respected  as 
a  teacher  of  youth  and  a  promoter  of  every  good  work" 
in  Ridgefield,  where  he  died  Jan.  31,  1852,  aged  55. 
He  was  a  man  Avithout  guile.  He  loved  the  ministry, 
and  loved  every  thing  pertaining  to  the  cause  of  Christ. 

He  attended  the  funeral  of  his  father,  Dea.  Joseph 
R.  Wilcox  in  his  native  town,  the  Wednesday  preced- 
ing his  own  death,  and  afterwards  returned  home.  But 
though  removed  thus  suddenly,  his  faith  did  not  fail  him 
nor  waver  in  the  least.  His  end  was  peace.* 

Thomas  Staughton  Savage  1825,  M.  D.  Studied  at 
the  Theological  (Episcopal)  School,  near  Alexandria,  D. 
C.,  became  an  Episcopal  clergyman ;  was  missionary  at 
Cape  Palmas  in  Africa ;  is  noAv  rector  of  a  church  at 
Pass  Christian,  Miss. 

William  Kirby  1827.  Studied  theology  in  New  Ha- 
ven, was  a  Home  Missionary  in  Illinois  ;  has  recently 
died  in  Jacksonville. 

George  Slocum  Folger  Savage,  1814.  Studied  The- 
ology in  Andover  and  in  New  Haven,  was  ordained  as  a 
Home  Missionary,  (in  his  native  place,)  went  to  St. 


*  N.  Y.  Observer,  Feb.  12,  1852. 


SKETCH    OF    UPPER    MIDDLETOWN.  251 

Charles,  Kane  County,  Illinois,  where  he  is  now  settled 
as  pastor  of  a  Church. 

Josiah  Savage,  1846.  Studied  law  in  New  Haven 
and  New  York,  went  to  California,  and  died  at  Trinity 
River,  in  Nov.  1849,  aged  25. 

Ebenezer  Beckwith,  1847.  Is  teacher  of  an  Acade- 
my at  Granada,  Miss. 

Thomas  Scranton  Hubbard,  1849.  Is  a  manufactur- 
er in  Durham. 

WESLEYAN  UNIVERSITY. 

William  A.  M.  Hand,  1836.  Only  child  of  Dr. 
William  M.  Hand,  was  a  man  of  good  talents,  natural 
and  acquired,  of  ardent  piety  and  great  promise ;  had 
commenced  the  study  of  theology,  but  was  removed  by 
death,  May  16,  1839,  aged  32. 

Two  individuals,  natives  of  Cromwell,  though  not 
graduates  of  Colleges,  Joints  Wilcox,  and  William  Red- 
field  Stocking,  may  be  properly  named  in  this  connection. 

Mr.  Wilcox  was  engaged  in  secular  business,  beyond 
the  usual  period  of  preparation  for  the  ministry  before 
he  resolved  upon  entering  the  sacred  office.  He  was 
sometime  member  of  the  Bangor  Seminary,  and  then 
went  through  with  a  three  years  course  in  the  Theologi- 
cal Department  of  Yale  College,  where  his  studies  closed 
in  1830.  The  next  year  he  was  settled  in  Bethany  in 
Woodbridge,  where  he  remained  a  few  years.  He  then 
went  to  Bergen,  N.  Y.,  and  thence  to  Victor,  preaching 
a  year  or  two  in  each  place.  In  1838,  he  went  as  pas- 
tor with  a  Church,  formed  in  one  or  other  of  those 
places,  to  Gcncseo,  in  Illinois,  under  the  patronage  of 
the  Home  Missionary  Society.  Here  his  health  failed 
him,  and  in  1845  he  removed  to  Chicago  and  became 
pastor  of  the  Bethel  Church,  with  which  he  was  connect- 
ed a  considerable  time.  Here  he  was  attacked  by  the 
cholera,  in  Sept.  1851,  which  produced  indescribable  suf- 
ferings, which  closed  his  life  on  earth  in  twelve  hours. 
But  in  these  trying  circumstances  he  was  sustained  by 
the  grace  of  God. 

William  Redfald  Stocking,  like  the  worthy  man  after 

*  21 


252       SKETCH  OF  UPPER  MIDDLETOWN. 

\vhom  he  was  called,  with  small  means,  has  risen  to  an 
important  station.  To  him  the  Friendly  Association 
and  the  Academy  were  blessings.  About  15  years  ago 
he  went  out  as  a  teacher  to  Oroomiah  in  Persia,  where 
he  is  said  to  have  become  well  acquainted  with  the  lan- 
guage of  the  country  and  where  he  has  been  ordained 
a  preacher  of  the  Gospel. 


CROMWELL  POST-OFFICE  ESTABLISHED 

IN  1809. 

Post  Masters. 

Samuel  Rose,    from  Sept.,        1809  to  Jan.  11,  1813. 

Josiah  Sage,      from  Jan.     11,  1813  to  April  16,  1839. 

C.  N.  Cannon,  from  April   16,  1839  to  July  3,  1841. 

N.  Bushnell,     from  July       3,  1841  to  Oct.  1,  1845. 

R.  Hubbard,    from  Oct.       1,  1845  to  May  29,  1849. 
H.  Stocking,    from  May    29,  1849. 

Town  Clerks  in  Cromwell. 

Samuel  G.  Wilcox,  elected,  July  16,  1851. 
Lorenzo  H.  Treat,          "       Oct.    6,  1851. 

Representatives . 
Marvin  R.  Warner,  elected  in  April,  1852. 


SKETCH  OF  PORTLAND, 

More  particularly  of  its  Ecclesiastical 
History,  of  its  Ship  Building  and 
Quarries. 


Very  considerable  settlements  were  made  in  the  First  Society 
of  Middletown,  and  in  Cromwell,  before  any  were  made  in  Port- 
land. One  reason  for  this  delay  probably  was  the  danger  of 
attacks  from  the  Indians,  particularly  in  the  night  season,  and 
the  difficulty  then  of  fleeing  across  the  river  to  their  brethren, 
or  deriving-  aid  from  them.  The  first  two  persons  who  settled 
in  Portland  were  James  Stancliff  and  John  Gill.  The  former 
had  a  house  on  the  bank  of  the  river  at  the  end  of  Portland 
btreet  about  1690,  perhaps  a  little  earlier.  The  latter  had  a 
house  not  far  from  him  about  the  same  time.  The  third  settler 
was  William  Cornwall,  who  settled  back  from  Portland  mead- 
ow. Other  settlers  joined  them  from  time  to  time  and  occupied 
various  portions  of  the  fine  arable  and  productive  lands,  in  the 
western  part  of  the  township. 

These  were  accustomed  for  more  than  20  years  to  attend  pub- 
lic worship  on  the  western  side  of  the  rivei.  In  May,  1714.  31 
persors,  who  were  doubtless  generally  heaJs  of  families,  peti- 
tioned the  General  Court  for  parish  privileges.  The  petition 
was  granted,  and  the  parish  was  named  East  Middletown,  a 
name  which  it  retained  until  its  incorporation  with  most  of  Mid- 
dle Haddam  and  East  Hampton  as  a  town,  by  the  name  of  Chat- 
ham in  Oct.,  1767,  when  this  parish  became  the  first  parish  of 
Chatham,  and  was  usually  called  Chatham. 

The  names  of  the  petitioners  were,  Bariah  Bacon,  Shamga 
Barnes,  John  Bevin,  Samuel  and  Nathaniel  Bidwell,  Thomas 
Bucke,  William  and  Jacob  Cornwall,  Richard  Sill,  John  Gaines, 
Ebenezer  and  Joshua  Gill,  Richard  Goodale,  sen.,  Richard  and 
Ebenezer  Goodale,  Thomas  Hale,  Samuel  Hall,  Walter  Harris, 
Ebenezer  Hurlbut,  John  Miller,  Job  Payne.  Jonathan  Sleed,  Na- 
thaniel Savage,  Jonathan  and  Ebenezer  Smith,  James  and  Will- 
iam Stancliff,  Joseph  Warner,  Joseph  and  Nathaniel  White,  and 
Thomas  Wright.  The  aggregate  of  their  list  as  taken  the  year 
preceeding  was  £1383:09. 

Other  persons  settled  there  soon  after  by  the  name  of  Hub- 
bard,  Barney,  Stocking  and  Wilcox.  Noadiah,  son  of  Rev. 
Noadiah  Russell  of  Middletown,  settled  about  1720,  on  the  site 
now  occupied  by  his  great  grandson  Daniel  Russell.  With 


254  SKETCH    OF   PORTLAND. 

these  were  united  Lemuel  Lewis  from  the  county  of  Barnsta- 
Lie,  Mass.,  John  Penfield  from  Rhode  Island,  Joseph  Blague 
from  Saybrook,  John  Churchill  from  Wethersfield,  and  some 
others.  The  population  and  property  of  the  parish  were  much 
increased  before  the  incorporation  of  the  parishes  of  Middle 
Haddarn  and  East  Hampton,  the  former  in  1740,  and  the  latter 
in  1748  Almost  all  the  inhabitants  until  this  time  supported  their 
families  l>y  agriculture,  though  long  before  this  the'  free  stone 
of  Portland  excited  considerable  attention,  and  ship-building  waa 
commenced. 

The  people  having  been  formed  into  a  society  they  built  a 
meeting  house  in  1716,  40  feet  by  26.  This  stood  upon  the  hill, 
south  of  the  present  town-house. 

The  church  was  organized  Oct.  25,  1721.  and  consisted  of  29 
persons,  most  of  whom  were  probably  recommended  from  the 
churches  in  Middletown  and  Cromwell. 

At  the  same  time  Daniel  Newell,  native  of  Bristol  and  gradu- 
ate of  Yale  College,  1718,  was  ordained  their  pastor.  He  is 
spoken  of  as  a  worthy  man  and  some  special  attention  to  rcli- 

fion  among  his  people  attended  his  labors.  He  died  Sept.  14, 
731,  aged  31  years. 

Moses  Jiartlett,  born  in  that  part  of  Guilford,  which  is  now 
Madison  and  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1730.  studied  both 
theology  and  medicine  with  his  distinguished  father-in-law,  Rev. 
Phineas  Fisk  of  Haddam,  became  the  successor  of  Mr.  Newell, 
June  0,  1733,  and  besides  discharging  the  duties  of  the  minis- 
try, he  was  like  his  instructor,  physician  for  the  bodies  of  his 
people,  and  the  only  physician  living  within  the  limits  of  his  pa- 
rish. He  died  Dec.  27,  1766,  aged  58,  and  his  people  in  respect 
to  his  memory  erected  a  monument  over  his  grave. 

Cyprian  Strong,  born  in  Farmington,  graduated  at  Yale  Colj 
lege,  in  1763,  D.  D.,  was  ordained  the  successor  of  Mr.  Bartlett, 
Aug.  19,  1767,  and  died  Nov.  17,1811,  aged  67  years. 

Dr.  Strong  was  highly  cpteemed  for  his  good  sense,  his  thor- 
ough acquaintance  with  theology  and  his  uniform  and  blameless 
life.  In  his  private  relations,  as  a  companion  and  friend  few 
have  been  more  beloved ;  and  though  as  a  preacher  he  had  not 
that  fervency  of  address  and  brilliancy  of  imagination  which 
are  requisite  to  catch  the  attention  of  the  multitude  for  the 
moment,  yet  his  sermons  were  distinguished  for  clear  reasoning 
and  sound  instruction,  and  his  prayers  for  appropriateness  and 
solemnity. 

Several  of  his  occasional  sermons  and  controversial  pieces  are 
in  print,  and  do  honor  to  his  understanding  and  his  heart.  The 
principal  of  these  are  an  election  sermon,  and  two  inquiries,  re- 
specting the  nature  and  design  of  Christian  baptism.  In  the 
midst  of  numerous  trials  he  was  calm  and  resigned.  The 
prominent  traits  of  his  character  are  happily  expressed  upon  his 
monument.  "  In  morals  exemplary;  in  doctrine  uncorrupt;  in 


SKETCH    OF    PORTLAND. 


255 


reasoning  profound;  in  declaring  God's  counsel  perspicuous  ard 
solemn,  and  in  death  peaceful." 

Eber  L.  Clark,  native  of  Mansfield,  graduate  of  William's 
College,  1811,  was  settled  in  Portland,  Sept.  25,  1812,  and  dis- 
missed Aug.  18,  1815.  He  afterwards  settled  in  the  parish  of 
Turkey  Hills,  in  Granby,  and  preached,  alternately  to  the  con- 
gregation in  that  parish,  and  to  the  convicts  in  the  State  Prison, 
•which  was  then  in  that  town.  In  1820  he  was  settled  in 
Winchindon,  Mass.,  where  he  remained  until  Feb.,  1835,  Since 
June,  1838,  he  has  been  pastor  of  the  congregational  church  in 
Richmond. 

Hervey  Talcott,  the  present  pastor,  born  in  Coventry,  gradu- 
ated'at  Yale,  1810,  was  settled  here  Oct.  23,  1816. 
The  constituent  members  of  the  church,  as  just  stated 

were  29 

Mr.  Newell  admitted  50 

Mr.  Bartlett,  114 

Dr.'  Strong,  193 

Mr.  Clark,  24 

Mr,  Talcott  has  admitted  207 

Total  of  members,  617 

The  number  of  members,  Jan.  1,  1852,  was  82. 

Deacons  of  the  Church. 

Elected. 
Samuel  Hall, 
John  Gaincs, 
Joseph  White,  Esq., 
David  Sage,  Esq., 
Ebenezer  White,  Esq., 
Dr.  Moses  Bartlett, 
Hezekiah  Goodrich,  Esq., 
Jonathan  Brown, 
Daniel  Shepherd,  Esq., 
Joel  Strickland, 
Job  H.  Payne, 
.  Dr.  G   H.  Gilbert, 
Franklin  Payne, 

On  the  first  Sabbath  in  Jan..  1852,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Talcott  stat- 
ed to  his  congregation  that  since  he  came  to  Portland  he  had 
been  called  to  officiate  at  the  interment  of  326  persons,  that 
three  of  these  were  said  to  be  100  years  old  or  more,  one,  105 — 
that  thirteen  were  over  90 — eighty-three  over  70 — one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  under  20,  and  ninety-four,  under  5. 

The  Congregational  Society  has  the  following  funds  for  the 
support  of  the  gospel,  $8,428  77,  with  lands  in  addition,  valued 
at  |250. 

The  congregation  for  the  last  ten  years  has  contributed  for 
public  benevolent  objects,  taking  one  year  with  another,  about 
$150  annually.  The  largest  amount  ever  contributed  in  a  year 
i3  $184,03. 


Died. 
Nov.      9,  1721. 

March    6,  1740. 
July     27,  1748. 
Dec.     14,  1770. 
Nov.     25,  1803. 
July      29,  1817. 
March    3,  1810. 
Became  Epis. 
March   9,  1826. 
Oct.      24,  1850. 
Dismissed,  1851. 

fr 

72 
82 
86 
90 
70 

77 

97 

Jan.     22,  1724. 
Dec.     15,  1748. 
April    21,  1768. 
Oct.      27,  1791. 
do        do 
June     25,  1795. 
March  15,  1810. 
Nov.      2,  1821. 
Nov.      2,  1821. 
Feb.       7,  1851. 
do        do 

SKETCH    OF    PORTLAND. 

The  second  meeting-house  was  built  in  1750,  56  feet  by  42, 
and  placed  north-east  of  the  site  of  the  first  meeting-house.  In 
this  the  congregation  met  much  longer  than  they  would  have 
done,  had  it  not  been  for  a  difference  of  opinion  among  the 
members  of  the  Society,  as  to  the  most  suitable  place  for  build- 
ing a  third  house  for  public  worship.  A  new  house  however, 
was  built  in  1850,  a  short  dislance  west  from  the  second  house, 
and  dedicated  on  the  18th  of  December  in  that  year.  This  is 
of  brick,  70  feet  by  39,  and  cost  $6,200 ;  the  site,  bell,  furniture 
and  other  accommodations  $1,450  more;  total.  $7.650, 


Central  Church. 

About  the  time  that  the  meeting-house,  just  spoken  of  was 
begun,  a  portion  of  the  Society,  dissatisfied  with  the  site,  in 
connection  with  others,  began  the  building  of  another  meeting- 
house, a  short  distance  eastward  from  the  site  of  the  second 
meeting-house.  This  is  of  wood,  60  feet  by  40,  and  cost  $4.000. 

On  application,  thirty-eight  members  of  the  old  church  were 
dismissed  in  Feb  ,  1851,  that  they  might  be  organized  into  a 
new  church.  They  and  another  individual,  were  thus  organiz- 
ed, Jan.  30,  1851,  and  on  the  same  day,  their  meeting-house  was 
dedicated.  They  take  the  ^name  of  the  Central  Church,  and, 
since  their  organization,  have  received  twenty-nine  members. 

Joel  Strickland  and  Job  H.  Payne,  who  had  been  deacons  in 
the  old  church,  and  were  included  in  the  number  dismissed  from 
it,  wcie  re-elected  deacons  of  the  new  church,  Sept.  5,  1851. 

Rev.  S.  G.  W.  T.  Rankin,  who  was  engaged  to  preach  to  the 
congregation  before  the  organization  of  the  church  and  the 
dedication  of  their  meeting-house,  still  supplies  them.  He  re- 
ceived his  classical  education  at  Ripley  College,  Ripley,  Ohio, 
and  his  Theological,  at  the  Lane  Seminary. 

The  number  of  members  in  the  church  January  1,  1852,  was 
seventy-eight. 


The  Episcopal  Church. 

The  following  account  is  furnished  by  Rev.  Mr.  Emory,  the 
present  Rector. 

A  Church,  "  according  to  the  order  of  the  church  of  Eng- 
land," was  organized  in  the  first  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Chat- 
ham, on  the  17th  of  April,  1789,  and  immediately  placed  under 
the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  then  Rector  of 
Christ  Church,  Middletown.  The  Church  consisted  of  fourteen 
families  ;  and  divine  service  was  held  and  the  ordinances  admin- 
istered in  private  houses,  till  their  church  edifice  was  completed 


SKETCH  OF  PORTLAND.  257 

some  timo  in  1790.  Before  this  time  thirty-four  families  con- 
nected themselves  with  the  church,  making  the  number  about 
fifty. 

On  the  24th  of  June  1789,  ten  adults  and  eighty-one  children 
were  baptized. 

The  church  remained  under  the  charge  of  the  Rev.  Abraham 
Jarvis,  till  Easter  1791.  From  1791,  till  Easter  1793,  the  Rev. 
Tillotson  Bronson  was  the  minister,  when  Abraham  Jarvis  again 
took  charge  of  the  church  and  continued  to  have  the  charge, 
until  April,  1796.  From  1796  till  1820,  this  church,  with  the 
church  in  Glastenbury,  and  the  church  in  Middle  Haddam, 
composed  one  cure,  and  the  Rev.  Smith  Miles  was  the  minister. 
From  1820  to  1828,  Mr.  Miles  confined  his  services  to  this 
church  alone.  He  died  Feb.  3d,  1830,  aged  64  years.  On  the 
7th  of  June,  1829,  the  Rev.  William  Jarvis  was  chosen  Rector, 
and  continued  so  till  Easter,  1837,  when  in  consequence  of  the 
loss  of  his  voice  he  resigned  the  charge  of  the  parish,  and  the 
Rev.  Samuel  M.  Emory,  was  chosen  Rector,  having  been  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Jarvis'  assistant  for  the  year  and  a  halt  previous. 

In  January,  1832,  a  new  church  edifice  of  stone  was  comple- 
ted, and  was  consecrated  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Brownell, 
Bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Connecticut,  on  the  15th  of  May,  in 
that  year,  with  the  title  of  Trinity  Church.*  The  old  church 
edifice  was  afterwards  presented  to  the  town  of  Portland  as  a 
town  house,  f 

The  annual  average  number  of  communicants,  for  the  last 
twenty  years  is  99.  The  whole  number  of  baptisms  since  the 
church  was  organized  has  been  1890 ;  the  whole  number  of 
deaths  420. 

The  amount  of  available  funds,  the  interest  of  which  goes  to 
the  support  of  the  church,  is  $6,000;  the  average  annual  collec- 
tion for  missionary  purposes  in  the  last  twenty  years  has  been 
£645  49. 


Former  Baptists  in  Portland. 

A  Baptist  Church  was  formed  in  the  northeast  extremity  of 
this  place,  in  1783,  which  received  a  part  of  its  members  from 
Glastenbury.  This  many  years  since  was  dissolved. 


Several  years  since  a  Methodist  Episcopal  Society  was  formed 
in  the  north  part  of  Portland,  toward  Glastenbury,  where  they 
have  a  small  church  edifice  and  where  they  still  hold  meetings. 

Measures  are  already  taken  by  the  same  denomination,  for 

*  This  is  70  feet  by  48,  and  cost  $8,000. 
•«-  TI.U  ia  of  wood,  50  feet  by  36. 


258  SKETCH    OF   PORTLAND. 

the  erection  of  a  new  church  edifice,  on  Portland  street,  nearly 
opposite  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  money  raised  to  pay  the 
expense. 


PHYSICIANS  IN  PORTLAND. 

In  the  Address  it  is  stated  that  the  Rev.  Moses  Bartlett,  tlic 
first  minister  of  Portland,  studied  both  theology  and  medicine 
with  his  father-in-law,  Rev.  Phineas  Fisk  of  Haddam.  He  ap- 
pears to  have  been  the  first  physician  in  Portland  as  well  as  the 
first  minister. 

Moses  Bartlett,  Jun.,  graduated  at  Vale  in  1763,  studied  medi- 
cine with  Dr.  Benjamin  Gale  of  Killingworth,  now  Clinton.  He 
doubtless  entered  upon  practice  before  his  father's  death  in 
1766  and  survived  him  more  than  forty  years.  He  was  a  deacon 
in  the  church.  Another  son  of  Rev.  Moses  Bartlett,  Phineas 
Bartlett,  also  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Gale  and  was  a  physi- 
cian in  Ashfield.  Mass. 

Thomas  Weils,  acted  as  a  surveyor  as  well  as  a  physician. — 
He  died  in  1790  aged  40  years. 

Elistia  Pftelps.  came  from  Colebrook  or  vicinity,  to  Portland 
as  early  as  1783  or  4,  and  practised  there  until  about  1792, 
when  he  removed  to  Hanover  or  near  there,  in  New  Hampshire, 
where  he  died  in  1819. 

Isaac  Smith.     See  onward. 

Isaac  Conkling.     See  Middletown  physicians. 

Newell  Smith,  was  born  in  Middle  Haddam,  studied  medicine 
with  Dr.  John  Richmond,  of  East  Hampton,  practiced  25  years 
in  Otsego  and  Oneida  counties,  N.  Y.  afterwards  10  years  in 
Portland  ,  where  he  died  Jan.  28,  1844  aged  60. 

George  O.  Jarvis,  native  of  New  Canaan,  received  his  profes- 
sional education  in  the  medical  department  of  Yale  College, 
practiced  5  years  in  Torringford,  18  in  Colebrook  and  has  prac- 
ticed in  Portland  since  1840,  received  the  degree  of  M.  D.  from 
Yale  College  in  1846. 

Gershom  C.  H.  Gilbert,  native  of  Mansfield,  received  his  pro- 
fessional education  also  in  the  medical  department  of  Yale  Col- 
lege and  commenced  practice  in  1844. 

Stephen  A.  Fuller,  from  Vershire,  Vt.  came  to  East  Haddam,  a 
few  years  since,  and  more  recently  has  come  to  this  place. 

Henry  Everlin  Cook,  a  native  cf  this  place,  who  studied  with 
Dr.  Sperry,  of  New  London,  commenced  practice  as  a  Thomso- 
nian  physician  here  about  1835,  where  he  remained  about  three 
years,  and  then  removed  to  Moodus  in  East  Haddam. 

Dr.  Isaac  Smith,  whose  name  appears  in  the  preceding  list, 
was  the  son  of  Dea.  Isaac  Smith  of  East  Hampton.  He  studied 
medicine  with  Dr.  William  B.  Hall  of  Middletown,  and  com- 
menced practice  in  North  Killingworth,  now  the  town  of  Kil- 


SKETCH    OF    PORTLAND. 

Hngworth.  Having  spent  a  few  years  there,  he  removed  to 
Portland,  where  he  practiced  until  his  death,  a  period  of  39 
years. 

A  memoir  of  him  was  prepared  by  his  neighbor  and  friend, 
the  late  Dr.  Thomas  Minor  of  Middletown,  which  is  published 
in  "Williams'  American  Medical  Biography." 

The  surviving  acquaintances  and  friends  of  Dr.  Smith  will  be 
gratified  by  reading  the  following  paragraphs  : 

"  In  his  deportment  and  intercourse  with  the  members  of  hie 
profession,  he  was  always  open,  candid,  frank  and  hospitable; 
with  the  sick,  upright,  beloved,  kind,  attentive,  sympathizing, 
always  ready  tc  sacrifice  his  comfort,  ease  and  happiness  for  the 
good  of  his  patient.  His  practice  was  plain  and  well  adapted 
to  the  case,  and  his  native  judgment  and  long  experience  gave 
him  a  claim  to  confidence  which  was  rarely  disappointed.  He 
was  a  regular  attendant  upon  divine  service  and  a  communicant 
of  the  Congregational  church,  always  appearing  to  rejoice  in 
Christian  privileges  and  duties." 

"  Though  the  friends  of  the  deceased  wish  not  for  the  lan- 
guage of  panygeric,  nor  do  we  claim  for  him  the  more  distin- 
guished talents,  or  that  he  was  pre  eminently  skilful  in  all  th« 
diseases  to  which  a  community  is  incident,  yet  he  possessed,  in 
an  eminent  degree,  the  key  to  the  fine  sensibilities  of  the  soul, 
and  knew  the  sympathies  and  idiosyr.craciesof  his  subjects  and 
would  more  readily  address  his  conversation  and  adapt  his  pre- 
scription, in  their  case,  than  now  can  any  other. 

"  The  disease  which  caused  his  death  was  a  fever,  but.  BO 
mild  in  its  early  stages  that  he  was  not  prevented,  but  with  faw 
exceptions,  from  attending  to  his  professional  duties,  but  about 
a  week  before  his  death.  During  that  week  his  sufferings  were 
great,  and  yet  he  was  seldom  heard  to  complain.  "  With 
strong  reliance  upon  the  Saviour,  and  his  soul  firmly  stayed  on 
God,  he  bade  adieu  to  his  family  his  friends  and  the  world  on 
the  night  of  the  19th  of  Dec.  1839,  aged  67  years,  in  the  full 
hope  of  an  immortality  beyond  the  grave." 


LAWYERS  IN   PORTLAND. 

Oliver  Overtoil,  son  of  Gen'l.  Seth  Overton,  studied  law  -with 
Judge  Hosmer,  commenced  practice  as  soon  as  1812,  practised 
in  Portland  only  one  or  two  years,  moved  to  Cherry-Valley,  ;N- 
Y.,  and  thence  to  Belfonte,  or  Belfoutaine,  Ohio,  where  he  died, 
in  1825.  aged  38  years. 

Alfred  Hall.     See  Middletown. 

22 


SKETCH    OF    PORTLAND. 

GRADUATES  FROM  PORTLAND, 

In  addition  to  those  mentioned  in  tJie  Jlddress. 

Elihu  -Bartlett  was  a  son  of  the  Rev.  Moses  Bartlctt,  and 
graduated  at  Yale  in  1764.  He  would  probably  have  studied 
theology  had  his  health  permitted,  but  was  feeble  several  years. 
He  settled  in  East-Guilford,  now  Madison,  where  he  died  in 
1779,  aged  about  30  years. 

William  Payne,  graduate  of  Trinity  College,  1834,  Tutor,  a 
clergyman  in  Litchtield.  no\v  in  Schenectady,  N.  Y. 

Daniel  Shepherd,  g:  aduate  of  Trinity.  1836,  clergyman  and 
teacher  in  De.lhi,  N.  Y..  where  he  died,  .Sept.  29,  1840. 

Nathaniel  Ogilvie  Cornwell,  Trinity,  1839,  a  teacher  and  phy- 
sician in  South  America. 

Frederick  Hall,  graduate  of  Yale,  1841,  merchant. 

Richard  Hart  Jams,  Trinity,  1848,  studied  law  in  New  Haven 
and  New  York,  and  is  now  a  practitioner  in  the  latter  city. 

The  question  has  been  raised,  whether  Rev.  Joseph  Washburn 
was  not  a  native  of  Portland.  See  list  of  Middletown  graduates. 


I  have  already  had  occasion  to  advert  to  the  Quarrying  busi- 
ness and  the  Ship-building  ot  this  town.  The  quarrying  busi- 
ness has  excited  more  or  less  attention  from  nearly  or  quite  the 
time  of  the  first  settlement  of  Middletown,  as  will  be  shown 
hereafter.  But  for  some  time  before  the  incorporation  of  East 
Middletown  with  most  of  Middle  Haddam  and  East  Hampton, 
as  a  town,  ship-building  was  a  more  engrossing  concern  in  Kast 
Middletown,  and  was  also  pursued  at  Middle  Haddam  Landing. 
Hence  the  town  was  called  Chatham  from  the  importance  of  its 
ship-building,  in  allusion  to  Chatham  in  England.  The  name 
appeared  more  and  more  appropriate  for  years  after  it  was  given 
than  before. 

The  first  vessel  built  in  Portland  was  launched  in  Oct.,  1741. 
This  was  a  schooner  of  90  tons,  built,  as  is  supposed,  at  Lewis' 
Yard,  where  very  many  vessels  have  been  built  since  that  period. 
Besides  merchant  vessels,  the  following  ships  of  war  and  priva- 
teers have  been  built  in  Portland  at  different  places  : 

The  Trumb^ull  and  Bourbon  were  built  during  the  Revolution 
near  the  quarries,  the  former  of  700  tuns,  36  guns ;  the  latter  of 
900  tuns,  and  intended  to  carry  40  guns,  but  not  armed  on  ac- 
count of  the  occurrence  of  peace.  The  Connecticut  was  built 
at  Stevens'  Wharf,  in  1798  and  9:  of  514  tuns,  20  guns.  Ship. 
building  was  begun  at  Churchill's  Yard  in  1795,  and  at  this 
yard  the  armed  vessels  and  privateers  about  to  be  named  were 
built.  The  Holkcr  was  built  in  1813,  350  tuns,  18  guns.  This 
was  driven  on  shore  by  the  English  at  Narragansett.  and  lost. 
Another  vessel  of  the  same  name  was  built  in  1814,  of  400  tuns, 


SKETCH    OF    PORTLAND. 

20  guns.  This  was  cast  away  in  a  storm  on  the  coast  of  Long 
Island.  The  Macedonian  was  built  the  same  year,  of  the  same 
tonnage  and  form.  The  Saranac  and  the  Boxer  were  built  in 
1815,  the  former  373  tuns  and  the  latter  of  367,  each  16  guns. 
The  three  first  of  the  above  vessels,  the  Trumbull,  Bourbon  and 
the  Connecticut,  and  the  two  last  were  built  for  the  United 
States.  In  ChurchJl's  yard  12,500  tuns  of  shipping  were  built 
between  the  beginning  of  1806  and  the  close  of  1816.  No  ves- 
sels of  war  have  been  built  in  Portland  since  1815.  nor  vessels  of 
any  kind  to  an  equal  amount  of  tunnage  as  before.  Still  there 
have  been  built  since  then  104  vessels,  35  by  Elizur  Abbey  from 
75  to  300  tuns  and  69  by  S.  Gildersleeve  from  75  to  700  tuns. 

In  the  autumn  of  1836,  William  and  Joseph  J.  Hendley  and 
Alexander  Keith,  of  Middletown.  and  S.  Gildersleeve  of  Portland 
built  the  schooner  called  the  "  William  Bryan,"  which  was  the 
first  vessel  that  ever  sailed  as  a  regular  packet  from  New  York 
to  Texas.  From  that  vessel  has  arisen  the  New  York  and  Gal- 
vcston  line  which  now  consists  of  five  ships  and  two  barques. 
The  ships  have  all  been  built  in  Portland  since  1847,  the  largest 
of  which  700  tuns.  They  are  called  after  the  Texan  patriots, 
Stephen  F.  Austin,  Benjamin  R.  Milam,  William  B.  Travis, 
James  H.  Fanning  and  William  H.  W barton. 

Ship  building  as  well  as  the  quarrying  business  has  employed 
many  hands  and  sustained  many  families;  and  both  have  stimu- 
lated husbandry.  In  these  three  great  branches  of  industry 
most  of  the  inhabitants  are  now  occupied,  though  more  are  en- 
gaged in  merchandise  than  formerly. 

In  1814  or  about  that  time,  there  were  but  two  merchant 
stores  in  Portland,  and  the  people  then  and  many  years  after- 
ward resorted  mainly  to  the  city  of  Middletown  for  dry  goods. 
The  same  is  done  to  a  great  extent  now.  But  as  the  quarrying 
busine.-s  has  vastly  increased  within  a  few  years,  stores  have 
been  increased  in  number  and  furnished  with  a  greater  variety 
and  amount  of  articles.  The  number  of  stores  is  8,  all  dealing 
in  groceries  and  some  in  dry  goods. 

There  is  also  in  the  town  s  me  increase  of  manufactures. 
About  1834  Mr.  Gilbert  Griswold  began  the  manufacture  of 
gold  and  silver  spectacles  and  employed  3  or  4  hands.  He  is 
now  engaged  principally  in  making  gold  spectacles,  and  also 
deals  in  various  articles  such  as  watches,  clocks,  jewelry,  cutlery 
and  small  arms.  Within  a  few  years  a  cabinet  shop  has  been 
established,  there  is  a  wagon  shop,  and  a  number  of  other  shops 
have  been  opened  in  which  such  articles  as  are  most  needed  by 
the  inhabitants  ar&  either  prepared,  or  procured  elsewhere,  and 
kept  on  hand  for  sale. 

And  now  let  us  turn  our  attention  more  particularly  to  the 
great  and  increasing  business  of  the  quarries. 

The  first  quarry  in  Portland  was  opened  where  the  stone  origi- 
nally rose  high  and  hung  shelving  over  the  river;  or  rather 


262  SKETCH    OF    PORTLANTJ. 

perhaps  for  a  time  such  stone  only  were  taken  as  had  been  bro- 
Ken  off  from  the  cliffs  by  the  action  of  the  atmosphere  and  were 
thrown  about  the  banks.  They  were  sought  soon  after  Middle- 
town  began  to  be  settled,  for  building  and  for  grave-stones 
Thus  they  were  sought  not  only  by  the  inhabitants,  but  by  per- 
sons from  other  places.  Soon  they  began  to  be  dug  and  raised 
possibly  from  the  earth  around,  into  which  they  had  fallen,  or 
in  which  they  had  been  buried  by  the  action  of  the  waters  ot 
the  river  in  times  of  freshet.  Strangers  thus  got  them  as  com- 
mon property,  it  would  seem,  without  leave  from  any  one  and 
without  giving  any  thing  as  an  equivalent.  This  is  evident 
from  a  resolve  of  the  Town  passed  in  1005,  "that  no  one  should 
dig  or  raise  stones,  at  the  Rocks,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river, 
but  an  inhabitant  of  the  Town,  and  that  twelve  pence  should  bo 
paid  to  the  town,  for  every  ton  of  stone  taken."  As  early  as  this 
they  were  carried  away  to  other  places  in  scows  or  some  kind  of 
water  craft.  By  several  subsequent  resolves  they  appear  to  have 
been  regarded  as  valuable  and  considerably  sought,  as  is  attes- 
ted too  by  ancient  tombstones,  and  building  stones  found  in  va- 
rious towns.  How  soon  the  high  and  shelving  rocks  were  re- 
moved and  efforts  made  to  procure  stone  further  from  the  river 
and  below  the  surface  of  the  ground  it  may  be  impracticable  to 
ascertain  at  the  present  time.  The  Quarry  thus  be^aii  was  at 
length  disposed  of  by  the  town  and  passed  through  various 
hands,  among  whom  the  names  of  Shalcr  &  Hall  arc  conspicu- 
ous. They  pursued  the  business  vigorously,  secured  a  hand- 
some profit  and  after  them  the  quarry  was  long  called,  the 
"  Shaler  &  Hall  Quarry."  In  this,  in  some  places  there  were 
but  about  five  feet  of  earth  necessary  to  be  removed  to  uncover 
good  stone,  while  in  other  places  there  were  four  or  five  feet  of 
shelly  rock  below  the  earth.  In  this  quarry  for  several  years, 
between  1810  and  20,  thirty  hands  were  employed  eight  months 
in  the  year,  and  from  four  to  six  teams.  The  quantity  of  stone 
prepared  for  market  and  sold  to  the  inhabitants  of  thisand  neigh- 
boring towns,  and  exported  to  distant  parts  of  the  country  was 
then  regarded  as  very  great,  though  small  in  comparison  with 
•what  is  now  prepared. 

Some  fifty  rods  south  of  this  quarry  another  quarry  was  open- 
ed about  1783.  There  the  stone  were  covered  with  about  ten 
feet  of  earth.  This  was  owned  for  a  time  by  Hurlburt  &  Rob- 
erts. About  1814  it  was  purchased  of  the  heirs  of  Aaron  Hurt- 
burt  and  two  other  persons,  and  deeded  to  Erastus  and  Silas 
Brainerd,  brothers  from  Middle  Haddam,  who  carried  on  the  bu- 
siness jointly  until  the  death  of  Silas  Bramerd  in  1847.  The 
firm  now  owning  this  quarry  is  styled  "  Brainerd  &  Company." 
For  some  five  years  after  the  Brainerds  began  to  work  this  quar- 
ry they  employed  only  about  7,  8  or  10  hands  and  two  yoke  of 
Oxen. 

In  1819  a  quarry  was  opened  north  of  the  Shaler  &  Hall 


SKETCH    OF   PORTLAND.  263 

Quarry  by  the  name  of  "Patten  &  Russell  Quarry,"  afterwards 
known  as  the  "  Russell  &  Hall  Quarry,"  until  the  year  184^, 
when  it  was  united  with  the  Sbaler  &  Hall  Quarry,  and  the  own- 
ers were  incorporated  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State  by  the 
name  ot  the  "  Middlesex  Quarry  Company.'''' 

Some  years  afterward  an  opening  was  made  below  the  Brain- 
erd  Quarry,  near  the  ferry  from  Middletown  to  Portland,  be- 
longing to  the  Shaler  &  Hall  Company,  but  which  sinco  the  in- 
corporation of  the  Middlesex  Quarry  Company,  is  called  the 
"  Shaler  &  Hall  Quarry." 

The  three  quarries  now  spoken  of  stretch  northward  from  near 
the  ferry  and  a  little  back  from  the  river  three  fourths  of  a  mile, 
and  the  space  between  them  and  the  river  is  generally  levelled; 
all  along  against  these  the  bank  of  the  river  is  a  good  wharf, 
rising  from  the  river  at  an  angle  of  about  forty-five  degrees,  to 
which  vessels  draw  up,  unload  and  receive  their  burthens.  The 
stone  found  in  them,  spreads  beyond  the  opening  in  different  di- 
rections, has  been  discovered  northward  and  southward  in  sink- 
ing drills,  and  to  a  greater  distance  eastward  in  the  same  way 
and  by  some  small  openings.  Wherever  found  it  possesses  the 
same  general  properties,  and  lies  in  nearly  horizontal  strata  with  a 
southern  dip. 

The  stone  are  not  perfectly  solid  in  the  quarries,  but  become 
more  so  generally  in  large  masses  as  they  are  penetrated  down- 
ward. They  are  found  in  layers  from  tnv  to  eighteen  feet  in 
thickness,  varying  from  twenty  to  one  hundred  in  width  and  in 
length  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty ;  their  direction  is 
from  north  east  to  west. 

The  stone  has  been  rising  in  estimation  and  favor  with  the 
public  for  many  years  and  very  rapidly  fora  few  years;  its  firm- 
ness, durability  and  susceptibility  of  receiving  and  retaining 
polish  are  well  attested.  When  indeed  the  stone  began  to  be 
used,  when  quarrymen  did  not  well  understand  their  work, 
when  they  were  picked  up  from  the  surface  of  the  ground,  or 
taken  very  near  it,  now  and  then  a  perishable  stone  may  have 
found  its  way  to  market,  though  instances  of  this  kind  are  be- 
lieved to  have  been  rare.  Some  chemists,  who  have  analyzed 
the  stone,  have  pronounced  it  to  be  equal  in  durability  to  gran- 
ite itself. 

In  1836  an  association  formed  in  Hartford,  undertook  to  re- 
pair "  the  waste  of  time  and  accident  among  the  monuments, 
erected  as  memorials  of  their  deceased  ancestors"  in  the  old 
grave  yard  in  that  city,  which  had  been  abandoned  about  thir- 
ty years. 

In  doing  this,  all  the  monuments  were  reset,  in  number  about 
five  hundred,  and  the  tables  many  of  which  had  been  suffered  to 
foil  were  rebuilt,  supported  by  solid  masonry,  and  where  the 
monuments  were  broken  they  were  repaired  by  being  fastened 
with  iron  clamps.  They  of  course  had  a  very  favorable  oppor- 

*22 


SKETCH    OF    PORTLAND. 

tunity  to  sec  the  wastes  of  time  and  accident  on  the  monument?. 
During  the  Revolutionary  War  some  use  was  made  of  the  Bol- 
ton  stone:  These  had  decayed  somewhat  in  the  ground.  All 
or  nearly  all  the  marble  monuments  of  30  years  standing,  by 
the  effects  of  the  climate  and  the  weather,  were  very  uiucti  ue- 
cayed  ;  the  upper  parts  of  them  being  decomposed  and  crumb- 
ling to  pieces.  It  was  found  very  difficult  to  repair  such  of  them 
as  were  broken,  as  they»were  not  strong  enough  to  bear  the  force 
of  drilling.  A  large  proportion  of  the  monuments  were  of  tho 
Portland  freestone.  Sonic  of  these  were  over  tho  graves  of  such 
as  had  been  dead  190  years  and  were  not  in  the  least  affected 
by  the  weather,  nor  had  any  of  this  description  been  injured  by 
the  seasons." 

These  monuments  were  doubtless  generally  put  up  soon  after 
the  death  of  the  person  whose  names  they  were  designed  to  per- 
petuate. It  is  hardly  possible  that  testimony  more  unexception- 
able than  this,  could  be  given. 

The  obelisk  erected  in  the  old  cemetery,  in  connection  with 
these  repairs,  is  wisely  built  therefore  of  the  Portland  stone, 
bearing  the  venerated  names  of  the  early  settlers  of  Hartford  ; 
and  so  is  the  block,  sent  from  Connecticut  to  grace  the  monu- 
ment, now  in  the  process  of  erection  in  Washington,  in  honor  of 
the  Father  of  our  Country.  This  is  already  placed  in  the  great 
and  imposing  structure. 

Calls  are  perpetually  made  for  this  stone  from  diSerent  parts 
of  our  country  to  be  used  in  large  public  buildings,  and  in  tho 
mansions  of  the  wealthy,  or  for  the  fronts  and  ornamental  parts 
of  such  edifices,  also  for  the  fronts  of  stores.  And  while  two 
years  since  the  companies  were  unable  to  meet  the  demand,  it 
is  happy  that  by  a  more  perfect  division  as  well  as  by  an  increase 
of  labor,  and  other  expedients,  they  are  able  now  to  comply  with 
the  applications  made  to  them  In  1850,  the  number  of  men  em*- 
ployed  in  the  three  quarries  was  about  900,  and  100  yoke  of  ox- 
en. Thirty  vessels  were  employed  in  carrying  away  stone  reg- 
ularly, varying  from  75  to  150  tuns,  making  each  from  20  to 
30  trips  in  a  season.  Large  quantities  were  also  carried  away 
in  other  vessels  not  belonging  to  the  regular  line  and  in  scows. 
In  the  companies'  vessels  they  were  carried  to  New  York  and 
sold  to  persons  there  or  to  persons  coming  there  from  other 
places,  who  carried  them  away  in  vessels  at  their  own  charge. 
The  more  common  practice  has  been  for  the  vessels  of  the  com- 
pany merely  to  deliver  the  stone,  New  York  excepted,  at  some 
ot  our  large  cities.  New  York,  Albany,  Philadelphia  and  Boston 
have  been  the  principal  markets.  With  respect  to  Roston, 
however  and  other  eastern  ports,  the  stone  have  been  carried  to 
them  in  vessels  hired  by  the  purchasers,  as  is  also  the  case  with 
many  cargoes  carried  up  the  Hudson  river  and  to  ports  south  of 
New  York.  In  1851  a  greater  number  of  men  and  teams  were  em- 
ployed than  in  1850.  This  year  (1852)  the  regular  workmen  are 


SKETCH    OF    PORTLAND.  265 

about  1200  in  the  quarries;  about  200  more  work  on  contract 
and  are  engaged  in  removing  the  surface  of  the  earth  and  in. 
clearing  away  rubbish.  Within  a  year  12  new  vessels  from 
120  to  200  tuns,  carpenter's  measure,  have  been  purchased  for 
transporting  stone.  A  steam-boat  also  was  built  the  last  spring 
owned  by  the  Middlesex  Quarry  Company,  and  Brainerd  &  Co.t 
to  tow  quarry  vessels  up  and  down  vhe  Connecticut  river,  which 
enables  the  vessels  to  make  more  trips. 

In  some  way  or  other  the  stone  are  carried  to  very  many  pla- 
ces in  the  country — some  to  very  distant  places,  a  few  have  been 
carried  to  Milwaukie,  in  Wisconsin,  some  even  to  San  Fran- 
cisco. 

Until  a  period  comparatively  recent,  efforts  in  all  the  quarries 
were  confined  to  stone  lying  above  the  ordinary  surface  of  the 
river,  but  now  stone  are  taken  many  feet  below  it,  and  the  opin- 
ion is  somewhat  current  in  the  surrounding  community  that  the 
further  down  the  quarries  are  penetrated  the  better  are  the 
stones.  The  Middlesex,  and  the  Shalcr  &  Hall  Quarries  have 
each  a  steam  engine  of  40  horse  power ;  and  the  Brainerd 
Quarry,  has  two  engines,  one  of  40  horse  power  and  another  of 
about  17,  by  which  the  water  accumulated  in  the  quarries  is 
pumped  out  every  morning,  and  by  which  the  stone  are  raised. 

In  and  around  these  quarries  a  scene  of  activity  is  seen  from 
day  to  day,  from  Monday  morning  until  Saturday  night,  beyond 
what  is  seen  within  any  equal  space  in  the  county,  and  tho 
people  near,  all  feel  the  influence  of  this  activity  and  enterprise. 
It  is  seen  in  the  rise  of  real  estate,  in  the  erection  of  new  build- 
ings, in  the  improved  gardens  and  grounds. 

While  the  quarrying  operations  are  giving  subsistence  to  ma- 
ny families,  some  Irish,  some  Scotch,  some  American  and  recent- 
ly some  English,  they  are  as  already  noticed,  stimulating  trade 
and  agriculture,  as  these  families  need  a  large  amount  of  arti- 
cles which  merchants  have  to  sell,  and  which  farmers  can  raise. 
The  teams  too  used  about  the  quarries  make  a  demand  for  hay 
straw  and  provender,  and  of  the  latter  article  far  more  than  is  now 
furnished  in  the  vicinity. 

As  for  the  curious  subject  of  birds  tracks,  found  in  these  quar- 
ries, as  they  have  been  at  other  localities  of  free  stone  above  on 
the  river  as  far  north  as  Turner's  Falls,  they  must  be  left  for  il- 
lustration to  those  who  have  more  time  to  spare  for  investigation 
than  the  writer. 

The  wonders  of  Job's  Pond,  so  called  because  the  pcnd  is 
found  ;,n  land  formerly  owned  by  Job  Payne,  if  the  facts  asser- 
ted about  it  be  admitted,  constitute  a  more  difficult  subject  of 
solution.  This  is  against  the  straits,  and  about  two  miles  in  cir- 
cumference. It  is  from  40  to  60  feet  deep  and  has  no  outlet. — • 
It  rises  and  falls  as  much  as  fifteen  feet,  but  not  from  such  cau- 
ses as  affect  other  ponds.  It  is  often  the  highest  in  the  dryest 
season  of  the  year  and  lowest  in  the  wettest  season.  When  it 


266  SKETCH    OF   PORTLAND. 

begins  to  rise,  it  rises  regularly  for  six  or  twelve  months  and 
then  falls  for  about  the  name  periods. 

There  .ire  in  Portland  7  district  schools,  and  the  children  in 
the  districts  between  the  ages  of  4  and  10.  as  enumerated  in  1851, 
were  621.  In  the  two  largest  schools  the  older  and  younger 
scholars  are  instructed  by  different  teachers  in  separate  depart- 
ments, an  arrangement  favorable  to  the  more  rapid  improvement 
of  both. 

The  oldest  grave  yard  in  the  town,  near  the  quarries,  was  laid 
out  Jan.  13,  1713,  the  new  yard  as  it  is  called,  near  the  Central 
Church  was  laid  out  in  1767:  a  third  yard  back  of  the  Episco- 
pal Church  was  laid  out  in  1825,  or  about  that  time.  In  this 
any  persons  may  bury  their  dead,  whatever  be  the  religious  de- 
nomination to  which  they  belong. 


PORTLAND  POST-OFFICE,  ESTABLISHED  IN 

1827. 

This  office  has  been  kept  by  the  following  persons : — 
George  B.  Smith,  from  1827  till  June  20,  1833. 

His  widow,  Anne  B.  Smith,  "     June  20  1833  till  Feb.      3.  1844. 
Charles  Henry  Sage,  "     Feb.    3  1844  till  Apr.    11.  1840. 

John  Payne,  from    April  11,    1849,  till  his   death  July  21;  1852. 
Win.  S.  Strickland,  "    July  21,  1852. 

The  notice  of  justices  of  the  peace  who  lived  in  Portland,  bo- 
fore  the  adoption  of  the  present  constitution  of  the  State,  will  bo 
found  in  connection  with  justices  then  in  other  parts  of  Chat- 
ham. 


SKETCH  OF  CHATHAM. 

Including  the  greater  part  of  Middle  Haddam  Society, 
the  whole  of  East  Hampton,  and  a  small  section  of  the 
Society  of  Westchester  in  Colchester. 


Middle  Haddam  Society  includes  Haddam  Neck,  a  part  of  the 
town  of  Haddam,  and  stretches  along  the  eastern  bank  of  the 
Connecticut  from  Portland  to  near  East  Haddam  Landing,  ter- 
minating there  in  a  point  between  the  Connecticut  and  Salmon 
river.  The  Chatham  part  of  Middle  Haddam  is  generally  very 
uneven,  (as  is  true  of  Haddam  Neck.)  much  of  it  rough  and 
stoney :  and  on  the  north  against  the  Straits,  it  is  mountainous. 
Still  very  considerable  portions  of  the  land  in  the  vicinity  of  tbo 
Connecticut  possess  a  strong  soil ;  most  is  capable  of  cultivation 
and  the  rest  generally  is  valuable  for  pasturage  or  wood.  The  in- 
habitants have  always  had  great  advantages  from  the  river, 
some  from  the  shad  fishery  and  for  a  long  time  from  the  salmon 
fishery,  more  from  ship-building,  and  some  from  navigation. 

Before  any  English  settlements  were  made  in  this  parish, 
there  were  stories  going  abroad  of  great  mineral  riches  in  Great 
Hill,  on  its  northern  border.  These  stories  arose  from  the  visits 
and  investigation  of  the  elder  Gov.  Winthrop  there,  though 
very  little  was  known  by  the  people  as  to  what  discoveries  he 
actually  made.  Of  this  hill.and  its  mine  usually  called  the  "Cobalt 
Mine,"  we  shall  have  occasion  to  speak  more  particularly  hereaf- 
ter. 

About  1710  a  family  by  the  name  of  Gofie  settled  south  of 
Middle  Haddam  Landing,  who  were  the  first  English  inhabit- 
ants in  Middle  Haddam.  Capt.  Cornelius  Knowles,  an  early 
and  respectable  settler,  built  a  house  afterwards  at  the  Landing 
directly  upon  the  bank  of  the  river,  from  whom  that  place  and 
and  the  surrounding  neighborhood  was  long  called  Knowles' 
Landing.  There  and  on  the  rising  grounds  in  different  direc- 
tions, other  families  settled.  These  sustained  themselves  in  part 
by  what  they  obtained  from  the  river  and  by  means  of  it ;  but 
principally  by  subduing  the  forests  and  cultivating  the  earth 
for  some  40  or  50  years,  when  ship-building  came  gradually  to 
their  aid.  This  business  was  probably  begun  as  early  as  1758. 
The  first  ship  was  built  there  in  17G3 ;  and  from  that  time  ship- 
building was  carried  on  generally  for  more  than  40  years  and  at 
times  to  a  great  extent,  though  we  are  unable  to  specify  exactly 
the  number  and  the  tunnage  of  the  vessels  then  built.  Business 
was  drawn  thither  from  the  southern  and  eastern  parts  01 
Chatham  and  somewhat  from  Marlborough  and  Hebron.  Frotn 


268  SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

1805  to  the  close  of  1838,  notwithstanding  the  embarrassments 
connected  with  the  second  war  with  Great  Britain,  51  shipa 
were  built,  24  brigs,  21  schooners,  and  15  sloops,  amounting  in 
all  to  27,430  tuns.  Thomas  Child,  now  approaching  'JO  years 
of  age,  states  that  he  has  been  the  master-builder  of  237  vessels, 
and  that  he  built  the  most  of  them  at  this  place.  For  some  ten 
or  eleven  years  prior  to  1851,  ship-building  was  wholly  aban- 
doned ;  but  in  that  year  one  vessel  was  built,  and  it  is  hoped 
that  the  business  will  he  renewed  ere  long  and  flourish. 

The  Landing  was  more  advanced  by  this  business  than  by  any 
thing  else:  though  some  of  the  inhabitants  for  many  years  had 
a  considerable  share  in  commerce,  owned  vessels,  and  followed 
a  sea-faring  life  as  officers  or  sailors.  But  with  the  loss  of  the 
West  India  trade  from  the  river,  navigation  from  this  place  was 
very  much  diminished 

In  1819  the  village  contained  sixtv  or  seventy  dwelling  houses, 
four  stores,  and  some  mechanic  shops.  It  now  contains,  regard- 
ing the  village  as  co-extensive  with  the  school  districts,  seventy- 
three  houses,  four  stores,  and  seven  mechanics'  shops.  There  is 
also  within  its  limits,  on  Taylor's  Creek,  a  foundry  for  the  cast- 
ing of  house  and  sleigh  bells,  employing  about  five  men  ;  a  shop 
recently  built,  with  the  needed  apparatus  for  pulverizing  and 
cleansing  ore  from  Great-Hill,  and  also  near  by  a  laboratory  and 
smelting  works  for  extracting  from  it  its  valuable  contents,  and 
four  oakum  factories,  usually  employing  twenty-five  hands. 

The  early  inhabitants  who  lived  in  the  Chatham  part  of  Mid- 
dle Haddam,  la1,  ored  under  great  disadvantages  for  attending 
public  worship,  whether  they  undertook  to  work  their  way 
through  crooked  paths  over  the  Strait-Hills  to  the  sanctuary  in 
Portland  ;  or,  availing  themselves  of  the  Connecticut  in  the  mild 
seasons  of  the  year,  went  as  far  as  they  could  in  boats  towards 
that  sanctuary,  or  thus  went  to  the  churches  in  Middle-town  and 
Haddam.  The  people  on  Haddam  Neck  also,  though  living 
against  Haddam  Town,  often  found  it  difficult  to  cross  the  river. 
Nor  were  the  people  of  both  sections  conveniently  situated  for 
meeting  together,  within  their  own  limits,  not  so  much  from 
their  distant  scattered  dwellings,  as  from  the  hillincss  and  rough- 
ness of  the  country,  and  the  badness  of  the  roads.  But  it  being 
more  convenient  for  them  to  meet  together  ban  to  worship 
where  they  had  done,  they  united,  in  Oct.  1738,  in  a  petition  to 
the  Legislature  for  incorporation  as  a  parish,  and  their  request 
was  granted  in  May  1740. 

The  petitioners  north  of  the  Neck  were  26,  and  their  names 
were  Henry  Atkins,  Richard  Bonfoey,  Ebcnezcr,  Jonathan  and 
Nathaniel  Burr,  Edward  Bill,  Ebenezer  Dart  [a  settler  from  New 
London],  James  Fowrey.  Ephraim  Fuller.  Nathaniel  Goss.  Ben- 
jamin Harris,  David  Hebbard.  John  and  Thomas  Hubbard,  Da- 
vid flurlburt,  Jun.,  Josiah  Johnson,  James  Pelton,  Noah  Phelpa, 
Thomas  Rich,  Benjamin  and  Ebenezer  Smith.  Samuel,  Nathaniel 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM.  269 

and  John  Spencer,  George  Stocking  and  John  Swafldle.  The 
lists  of  these  petitioners  amounted  to  £1.582  2.  There  were 
three  other  inhabitants,  Joshua  Brainerd,  Joshua  Luther  and 
Moses  Rowley,  having  together  a  list  of  £109  8,  who  for  some 
reason  did  not  unite  in  the  petition. 

The  petitioners  on  the  Neck  were  12,  viz. :  Joshua  Arnold, 
William,  James,  Abijah,  Josiah,  Nathan  and  Benjamin  Brainerd, 
William  Markum,  Alexander  Peterson,  Ebenezer  and  David 
Smith,  and  John  Stocking.  The  lists  of  all  these  is  not  known; 
but  it  is  believed  that  they  were  somewhat  more  in  proportion 
to  their  number  than  the  lists  of  those  from  the  other  part  of 
Middle  Haddam.  The  list  of  William  Brainerd  alone  in  1739, 
it  is  ascertained,  was  £108  14. 

The  ancestors  of  the  Freemans,  Hurds,  Higginsesand  Youngs, 
who  united  with  the  foregoing  settlers,  were  from  Barnstable 
connty  in  Massachusetts.  About  1750,  John  Eddy,  from  Nor- 
ton, in  the  same  state,  Samuel  Daniels,  a  native  of  Colchester, 
and  a  few  others,  settled  in  the  east  part  of  the  parish. 

The  church  was  organized  Sept.  24,  1740,  and  consisted  of  13 
male  members,  7  of  whom  lived  on  the  Neck. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Bowers,  a  native  of  Billerica,  Mass.,  and  gradu- 
ate of  Harvard  College  1733,  was  ordained  and  settled  as  their 
pastor  at  the  same  time. 

At  the  time  of  this  organization  the  people  had  no  houso 
erected  for  public  worship,  and  must  have  met  in  a  school-house 
or  private  dwelling.  They  had  no  village  nor  densely  settled 
neighborhood,  to  plead  on  the  ground  of  numbers  and  property, 
for  its  location  in  the  m  dst  of  their  dwellings.  Knowles's  Land- 
ing, now  Middle  Haddam  Landing,  indeed  began  to  be  a  place 
of  some  business  not  long  afterward;  but  it  did  not  attain  its 
present  size  till  that  generation,  and  many  of  toicceedings  ones 
had  gone  to  the  grave.  The  people  therefore  united  in  a  local 
centre,  or  one  that  was  nearly  so,  and  built  a  meeting-house  in 
1744,  44  feet  by  36,  in  which  they  worshipped  until  1712;  seve- 
ral years  longer  than  they  would  have  done  had  they  been 
united  in  views  as  to  the  site  of  a  second  Meeting-house. 

Mr.  Bowers  died  May  11,  1761,  aged  45,  having  obtained  tho 
reputation  of  a  pious  and  faithful  minister. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Boardman,  a  native  of  Westfield  in  Middletown, 
a  graduate  of  Yale  1758,  Dean  scholar  and  tutor  in  that  i"stitu- 
tion.  was  ordained  Jan.  5,  1762:  In  his  ministry,  if  not  before, 
some  families,  living  on  Moromus  street,  on  the  West  side  of  the 
Connecticut  and  near  its  bank,  became  accustomed  to  attend 
worship  more  or  less  in  Middle  Haddam  ;  and  in  Jan.  1775  the 
First  Society  granted  them  liberty  to  pay  half  their  society  tax 
into  the  treasury  of  Middle  Haddam.  The  heads  of  these  fami- 
lies were  Israel  Carrier,  Francis  Clarke,  John  Cone,  Simeon  and 
Richard  Morgan,  Stephen  and  John  Sears,  Samuel  Simmons  and 
John  Swaddle.  During  this  year  Mr,  Boardman  went  as  chap- 


270  SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

lain  with  a  company  of  cavalry  to  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  He 
was  chaplain  there,  during  that  year,  for  a'number  of  months. 
Difficulties  afterwards  arising  between  him  and  his  people  trom 
two  or  three  causes,  he  was  dismissed  in  1783.  On  the  5th  of 
May  in  the  following  year  he  was  installed  pastor  of  the  South 
church  in  Hartford,  where  he  died  Feb.  12,  1810,  nged  70. 

Rev.  David  Selden,  native  of  Haddam  Neck,  graduate  of  Yale 
1782.  studied  theology  with  Dr.  Lockwood  of  Andover,  Conn, 
and  was  licensed  to  preach  by  Hartford  South  Association,  June 
3,  1783.  Soon  after  this  he  preached  in  Hebron  and  was  invited 
to  settle  as  colleague  with  Dr.  Poireroy;  he  preached  also  in 
other  places,  but  was  settled  in  Middle  Haddam  Oct.  19,  1785, 
where  he  died  in  office,  esteemed  by  hi-*  people  and  his  brethren 
in  t\  e  ministry,  Jan.  18,  1825,  aged  04. 

Rev.  diaries  Bentleij,  native  of  New  Marlborough,  ?lass,  grad- 
uate of  Aroherst  College,  1824,  was  ordained  successor  to  Mr. 
Selden  Feb.  15,  1826  and  dissmissed  May  22,  1833.  Since  his 
dissmission  Mr  Bentley  has  been  settled  at  Salmon  Brook,  in 
Granby,  in  -Harwinton 'and  in  Green's  Farms,  in  Fairfield,  where 
.  he  is  now  pastor. 

Rev.  Stephen  A.  Loper,  native  of  Guilford  and  graduate  of  Ban- 
gor  Theological  Seminary,  was  first  settled  in  Hampden,  a  little 
below  the  city  of  Bangor,  in  Maine.  He  was  installed  in  Mid- 
dle Haddam  June  11.  1834and  dismissed  Nov.  1,  1841.  He  was 
afterwards  settled  in  Hadlyme  several  years  :  but  since  July  1, 
1850  has  preached  to  the  congregation  in  Higganum  in  Haddam. 

In  the  interval  between  the  dismission  of  Mr.  Loper  from 
Middle  Haddam,  and  the  settlement  of  another  pastor,  the  peo- 
ple were  supplied  by  Rev.  William  Case,  who  had  been  pastor  of 
the  church  in  Chester,  by  Mr.  Samuel  Mosely,  a  candidate  for 
the  ministry,  since  dead,  and  by  Rev.  Philo  Judsoii.  who  had 
been  pastor  of  the  church  in  Ashford  and  of  the  church  in 
North  Stonington. 

Rev.  James  Colburn  Iloughton,  native  of  Lyndon,  Vt.,  but  who 
spent  most  of  his  youth  in  Putney  in  that  State,  graduate  of 
Dartmouth  College  1837,  and  who  studied  theology  in  East 
Windsor,  was  installed  at  Storrsville,  now  Dana,  Mass.  Dee.  23, 
1840.  After  leaving  that  place,  he  preached  as  stated  supply 
in  East  Hartland,  and  in  Granby,  Ccnn.  for  a  short  time.  He 
began  to  preach  in  Middle  Haddam  in  May  1847  and  was  in- 
stalled there  on  the  15th  of  Sept.  following.  He  was  dismissed 
from  this  charge  the  1st.  of  November  1850,  and  installed  over 
the  South  Church  in  New  Hartford  Dec.  31,  1851. 

Rev.  William  Sturgess  Wrig/it,  native  of  Glastenbury  and 
graduate  of  Yale  College  1839,  who  studied  theology  two  years 
in  New  Haven,  and  taught  the  Academy  in  Cromwell  5  years, 
has  been  stated  supply  in  Middle  Haddam  since  Jan.  1851.  He 
was  ordained  after  he  commenced  services  in  this  place,  but  not 
installed  as  pastor. 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 


271 


Elected. 

Ebenczer  Smith, 

Nov.      8,  1740. 

Gideon  Arnold, 

((                      4t               f< 

Benjamin  Harris, 

Mar.    14,  1748. 

Daniel  Arnold, 

Nov.    27,  1771. 

Ezra  Brainerd,  Esq 

"        "      " 

David  Smith, 

June      1,  1774. 

DrThos.  Brainerd, 

Dec.    10,  1795. 

Sdden  Gates, 

July    27,  1810. 

Jesse  Hurd, 

Sept.  18,  1818. 

Edward  Root, 

June           1827 

Levi  Mitchell, 

"                " 

SamuelB  Butler, 

Jan.       3,  1840. 

David  Dickinson, 

June    30,  1843. 

Anson  Strong, 

June    29,  1849, 

DEACONS  IN  THE    CHURCH. 

Died  or  moved  away.  Ages 

Feb.    11,  1752  j  §i 

Mar.          1772 

Apr.    11,  1T75.  75 

May   27,  1774.  43 

Apr.     7,  1837.  93 

Nov.  25,  1795,  52- 

Moved  to  Ludlow,  Mass. 

"     L.  I.  died  at  Brooklyn. 
July    22,  1831.  66 

Moved  to  Middletown,  1849. 
"       "  "  1839. 

Moved  to  Stonington,   1841 


Those  whose  names  are  in  italics  lived  in  the  Chatham  part  of 
Middle  Haddam. 

It  has  been  stated  that  the  number  of  members  in  the  church 
at  its  formation  was  13. 

Mr.  Bowers,  admitted,  171. 

Mr.  Boardman,     "  162. 

Mr.  Selden,  "  221. 

Mr.  Bentley,         "  95. 

Mr.  Loper,  19. 

The  number  admitted  since  Mr.'Loper's  dismission,  is    44. 

725. 

The  number  of  communicants  Jan.  1.  1852,  is  not  ascertained, 
but  the  number  reported  to  the  Gen.  Association  for  Jan.  1.  1851, 
was  133. 

The  2d  Meeting-house,  to  which  reference  has  been  inade, 
was  built  in  1812  and  is  50  feet  by  40. 

The  society  own  a  parsonage.  They  have  also  two  pieces  of 
land,  given  by  the  late  Dea.  Ezra  Brainerd,  worth  about  £200, 
the  rents  of  which  are  about  9  or  10  dollars  annually. 

The  annual  average  of  contributions  by  the  people  for  public 
benevolent  objects  for  the  last  five  years  has  not  been  less  than 
$160.  During  the  three  years  of  Mr.  Houghton's  ministry  they 
were  not  less  than  $200  per  year. 

EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  AT  MIDDLE  HADDAM 
LANDING. 

A  small  Episcopal  Church  was  formed  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Middle  Haddam  in  1771,  which  held  meetings  a  few  years  and 
was  dissolved.  Their  house  of  worship  built  in  1772,  26  feet  by 
24,  was  taken  down. 

The  church  at  the  Landing  was  formed  April  25,  1785,  and 
their  church  edifice  was  built  in  1786  or  7,  47  feet  by  36.  The 
church  belonged  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Jarvis  of  Middletown  until 

23 


272  SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

1791.  The  two  succeeding  years  Rev.  1 illotson  Branson,  after- 
wards preceptor  of  Cheshire  Academy,  divided  his  labors  equal- 
ly between  this  church  and  the  church  in  Portland,  and  then 
they  reverted  to  the  care  of  Mr  Jarvis.  From  1795  or  G  till 
1810  Rev.  M.  Smith  Miku,  ministered  here  one  halt  of  the  time. 
From  1811  till  1821  Rev.  J/ixpcr  D.  Jones  ministered  here  one 
third  or  fourth  of  the  time,  with  the  exception  of  about  two 
years,  (1815  and  16,  it  is  believed.)  when  the  church  was  sup- 
plied by  Rev.  Solomon  lilakcxlee,  and  Rev.  R.  Ivc?.  Mr.  Jones 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Nat/tan  /jc/'i:.--.  who  preached  here  a 
quarter  of  the  timc^p  1822  and  3.  lie  removed  to  Vermont. 
Rev.  Edward  T.  /(.vs.  born  and  educated  in  Cheshire,  and  who 
studied  theology  in  New  Haven,  took  charge  of  the  parish  about 
two  years.  He  removed  to  Pcekskill.  N.  Y.  From  182-3  to 
1826  Rev.  Orson  V.  Hou:dL  then  connected  with  the  Military 
Academy  in  Middletown,  ministered  to  tho  parish  one  half  the 
time.  From  1826  to  1829  or  30,  Rev  Ax/iM  Sled,  a  native  of 
Waterbury,  educated  at  Cheshire  .A-cadcmy,  a  very  devoted  and 
good  man,  ministered  to  the  people.  AVr.  Alphcu.1  G'ccr,  became 
rector  in  1831  and  preached  to  them  till  the  spring  of  1837,  be- 
ing connected  during  that  period  with  the  church  in  Hebron. 
Rev.  James  Sundcrlantl,  came  into  the  parish  in  1837  and  preach- 
ed till  the  spring  of  1838.  He  was  succeeded  by  George  AugVt- 
tus  Sterling  who  preached  two  years,  lie  was  a  native  of  Sha- 
ron, educated  at  West  Point,  and  studied  theology  in  New  York 
city.  Rev.  Benjamin  S.  Jluiitnigton  took  charge  of  the  parish 
July  5,  1840,  and  resigned  in  the  autumn  of  1841.  He  studied 
theology  in  New  York,  and  it  is  believed  was  born  and  educa- 
ted classically  in  that  city.  Rev.  Charles  W .  Bradley^  preached 
in  Middle  Haddam  about  5  months  in  the  close  of  1&41  and  be- 
ginning of  1842.  He  is  a  native  of  New  Haven,  has  been  Sec- 
retary of  State  of  Connecticut,  and  is  now  a  consul  in  China. 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nask  succeeded  him  in  May  1842  and  resigned 
Nov.  1,  1845.  He  is  a  native  of  Ellington.  His  classical  educa- 
tion was  private — his  theological  at  the  P.  Episcopal  Seminary 
in  New  Haven  and  New  York,  being  a  member  of  it  at  its  remo- 
val. Rev.  F.  B.  Woodward  took  charge  of  the  parish  in  April 
1846  and  is  the  present  rector.  He  became  first  a  physician, 
and  still  practices  medicine.  His  theological  education  was  in 
the  Eastern  Diocese  while  under  the  supervision  of  Bishop  Gris- 
wold. 

The  number  of  communicants  in  this  church  prior  to  1840 
cannot  be  definitely  ascertained.  The  correspondent  who  has 
furnished  many  of  the  foregoing  facts  thinks  it  safe  to  put  the 
average  at  50.  There  were  51  in  May  1842:  the  number  Jan. 
1,  1852  was  from  40  to  45. 

Contributions  are  takeji  up  in  the  church  for  the  Bible  Socie- 
ty and  Tract  cause,  and  for  Missions,  Domestic  and  Foreign. 
To  the  Bible  and  Tract  cause  §150  are  given  annually;  though 


SKETCH    OF 'CHATHAM.  273 

ill  justice  it  should  bo  added  that  tho  greater  part  of  all  the  con- 
tributions are  given  by  three  or  four  individuals. 


METHODISTS   IN   MIDDLE  HADDAM,  CHAT- 
HAM PART. 

They  held  meetings  here  as  early  as  1792,  and  in  179G  or  7 
built  them  a  small  church  at  the  Landing,  24  feet  by  23  At 
one  time  they  had  fifty  communicants,  but  the  number  of  pro- 
fessors among  them  afterwards  greatly  ^minished  ;  for  some 
time  their  church  has  been  closed. 


I  have  already  said  that  wo  should  have  occasion  to  speak 
more  particularly  of  Great  Hill  and  its  Cobalt  Mine.  The 
situation  of  this  hill,  the  size  of  which  is  indicated  by  its  name, 
is  towards  the  northwest  corner  of  Middle  Haddam  Society. 
That  the  elder  Gov.  VVinthrop  believed  that  there  were  mines 
and  minerals  in  Middlctown,  and  that  he  had  become  so  convin- 
ced of  their  value  as  to  think  seriously  of  setting  up  works  for 
improving  them,  is  evident  from  the  following  grant  made  to  him 
a  tew  years  after  the  first  settlement  of  Middletown. 

"  The  inhabitants  of  Middletown,  for  the  encouragement  of 
the  designs  of  our  much  honored  governor,  Mr.  John  Winthrop, 
for  the  discovery  of  mines  and  minerals,  and  for  the  setting  up 
of  such  works  as  shall  be  needful  for  the  improvement  of  them, 
do  hereby  grant  unto  oui  said  much  honored  governor  any 
profitable  mines  or  minerals  that  he  shall  find  or  discover  upon 
any  common  land  within  the  bounds  of  our  Town,  and  such 
woodland  as  may  be  convenient  for  the  u?e  of  the  same,  to  the 
value  of"  500  or  1,000  acres,  as  it  may  lie  so  that  it  be  not  near- 
er than  two  or  three  miles  from  the  present  dwelling  houses  of 
the  Town,  as  the  Town  shall  judge  to  be  least  prejudicial  to 
themselves  for  their  necessary  .fire-wood,  provided  the*Town 
shall  have  free  liberty  of  commonage,  as  far  as  our  Town 
bounds  go,  until  the  improvers  shall  see  good  to  impropriate  the 
same  with  inelosures — provided  further,  that  said  governor,  and 
such  as  may  be  co-improvers  with  him.  will  set  up  the  works  to 
improve  such  mines  and  minerals  as  he  shall  find,  within  these 
5  years  and  let  us  know  whether  he  doth  accept  of  this  our 
grant  within  two  years ;  and  so  it  be  to  him  and  his  heirs  and 
nssociates  from  the  time  of  setting  up  such  works,  else  at  two  or 
five  years,  and  to  be  in  the  liberty  of  the  Town  to  grant  the 
same  to  any  other.  May  25.  1G61." 

At  the  time  of  this  grant  the  people  of  Middlctown  dwelt 
mostly  within  the  limits  of  the  city,  and  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
present  village  of  Cromwell.  There  is  no  probability  that  Mr. 
VYinthrop  had  any  very  strong  impression  of  finding  valuable 
mines  and  minerals,  excepting  on  the  hills  near  the  Straits,  where 


274  SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

lead  on  the  west  side  of  the  Connecticut,  and  cobalt  on  the  eastern 
were  afterwards  more  seriously  sought,  and  these  localities  were 
sufficiently  away  from  the  existing  settlements.  That  his 
thoughts  were  mainly,  if  not  entirely,  turned  to  Great  Hill,  is 
probable  from  the  fact  that  this  Hill  was  long  called  the  •'  Gov- 
ernor's Gold  Ring,"  a  name  derived  from  the  impression  which 
people  around  had,  that  the  governor,  from  explorations  and  la- 
bors there,  had  actually  found  gold,  which  might  at  least  bj 
made  into  rings.  From  the  correspondence  of  the  governor 
with  learned  men  in  England,  it  is  possible  that  some  knowl- 
edge of  this  locali^  crossed  the  Atlantic  in  his  time. 

Be  this  as  it  may,  no  considerable  efforts  appear  to  have  been 
made  to  find  gold  or  any  other  mineral  in  this  hill,  for  about  a 
century  after  this  grant  was  made.  But  about  1702  Dr.  John 
Sebastian  Stephauney,  a  German,  employed  a  number  of  men. 
and  made  a  horizontal  opening  into  the  hill  in  search  of  hid 
treasures.  He  continued  his  exertions  but  a  short  time.  About 
1770  he  renewed  them,  in  connection  with  two  other  Germans, 
John  Knool  and  GominusErkelcns  ;  but  at  length  it  appears  that 
he  made  over  the  management  of  the  concern  to  his  associates, 
reserving  to  himself  only  a  portion  of  the  profits,  and  there 
was  an  agreement  that  what  metals  and  minerals  were  sent  to 
Great  Britain  should  be  consigned  to  Knool's  friends,  and  those 
sent  to  Holland  to  Erkelens'.  A  large  opening  was  made  into 
the  hill,  and  the  superincumbent  matter  was  prevented  by  stan- 
chions from  falling  upo.i  the  laborers.  Many  casks  of  ore  were 
obtained  and  sent  to  Europe,  and  it  is  probable  some  were  car- 
ried to  China.  But  as  all  the  persons,  laborers  as  well  as  prin- 
cipals, were  foreigners,  and  as  the  ore  was  exported,  little  was 
known  of  its  character  or  value.  Various  conjectures  were 
made  as  to  what  it  contained;  the  better  informed,  however,  be- 
lieved that  Cobalt  was  the  object  sought.  Erkelens  seeYns  final- 
ly to  have  been  the  principal  manager.  This  appears  from  a 
passage  in  the  diary  of  Pros.  Stiles  of  Vale  College.  The  presi- 
dent writes  : 

"1787.  Jan.  1.  Mr.  Erkelens  visited  me,  full  of  his  Cobalt 
mine  and  China  voyage.  He  some  years  ago  bought  the  Gov- 
ernor's King,  as  it  is  called,  or  a  mountain  in  the  N.  \V.  corner 
of  East  Haddam,  [Middle  Haddam,]  comprehending  about  800 
acres,  or  about  a  square  mile  area.  Here  he  finds  plenty  of 
Cobalt,  which  he  manufactures  into  smalt,  with  which  is  mado 
the  beautiful  blue  on  China  ware,  &c." 

"  Gov.  Trutnbull  has  often  told  me  that  this  was  the  place  to 
which  Gov.  VVinthrop  of  N.  London  used  to  resort  with  his  ser- 
vant, and  after  spending  three  weeks  in  the  woods  of  this  moun- 
tain, in  roasting  ores  and  assaying  metals  and  casting  gold  ring-, 
lie  used  to  return  home  to  New  London  with  plenty  of  gold. 
Heuoe  this  is  called  the  Gov.  Winthrop's  ring  to  this  day.  Gov. 
Winthrop  was  an  adept,  in  intimate  correspondence  \vith  Sir 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM.  275 

Kenelm  Digby,  and  the  first  chemical  and  philosophical  charac- 
ters of  the  last  century — as  may  be  seen  in  the  dedication  of  40th 
vol.  Phil.  Transactions  1740." 

"  Mr.  Erkelens  about  1775  being  a  projector,  erected  a  distil- 
ery  in  Haddam  [Middle-Haddam,]  6  miles  from  Middletown,  on 
a  stream,  descending  from  this  mountain — he  also  purchased  the 
Cobalt  mine  there.  He  has  been  at  £2,000,  sterling  expense  to 
no  profit.  He  is  going  on  a  voyage  to  China,  carrying  with  him 
20  tuns  of  Cobalt  ore.'-* 

Much  is  recorded  on  the  books  of  the  Town  of  Chatham  re- 
specting the  lands  which  Erkelens  secured. 

His  object  in  building  a  distillery  probably  was,  as  at  that 
time  the  regular  trade  with  the  West  Indies  was  liable  to  be 
greatly  interrupted,  that  he  might  supply  his  workmen  more 
conveniently  with  a  beverage  which  they  loved,  and  have 
wherewithal  to  supply  exposed  and  suffering  soldiers,  who,  in 
the  current  opinion  of  that  period,  would  hardly  be  expected  to 
live  and  fight  bravely,  without  the  aid  and  stimulus  of  strong 
drink. 

Whether  he  actually  carried  his  Cobalt  ore  to  China  in  1787, 
or  soon  after,  and  if  he  did,  how  it  was  disposed  ot,  we  are  not 
informed.  But  from  the  time  he  left,  operations  at  the  mine 
were  suspended,  and  nothing  more  was  done  there  for  about  30 
years.  The  opening  in  the  hill  remained  a  considerable  period, 
but  at  length  the  stanchions  giving  way,  the  mass  above  fell  and 
filled  it 

When  Pres.  Stiles  visited  the  hill  in  1787,  he  sketched  the 
Governor's  Gold  Ring,  and  a  map  showing  the  country  from 
New  London  to  Middle-lladdam  and  Middletown. f  This  he 
was  doubtless  prompted  to  do  by  the  prospect  which  Great  Hill 
afforded,  which  strictly  considered  is  a  hill  of  no  inconsiderable 
size  and  elevation,  resting  on  the  range  of  the  Strait  Hills.  The 
Cobalt  mine  is  near  the  bottom  of  this  hill,  running  so  far  as 
discovered  a  short  distance  from  it,  taking  a  semicircular  course 
in  accordance  with  its  form,  beginning  at  the  west  south-west 
and  gradually  bending  round  towards  the  south  and  south-east, 
being  at  an  elevation  on  the  range  of  hills,  of  about  400  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  Connecticut,  the  top  of  the  hill,  rising  two 
or  three  hundred  feet  more.  From  the  summit  the  view  was 
fine  in  all  directions  then,  except  the  north-east  where  a  range 
of  hills  stretches  far  into  the  interior.  It  is  finer  now,  as  the 
lands  are  more  generally  cleared,  ard  the  country  more  densely 
settled.  Besides  the  windings  of  the  river  directly  under  the 
eye,  you  often  see  vessels  moving  upon  it  propelled  by  wind  and 
steam,  and  on  the  numerous  hills  and  ranges  ot'hills  on  either  side, 
many  churches  and  habitations  of  men.  In  a  clear  day,  Long 

*  Literary  Diary  of  Pres.  Stiles,  Ms.  v.  13,  p.  34. 
t  Idem,  p.  35. 
*23 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

Island  Sound  with  its  moving  navigation,  an  1  Long  Island  shore 
are  distinctly  visible.  Not  far  from  you,  you  contemplate  the 
birth-place  of  David  Brainerd,  and  very  near  you  the  birth-place 
of  James  Brainerd  Taylor,  while  in  the  line  towards  N.  London 
you  have  the  birth-place  of  Dr.  Kmmons,  and  further  on  that  ot 
Dr.  Griffin  ;  and  in  the  entiie  view  the  birth-places,  or  residen- 
ces, of  many  other  men.  distinguished  in  their  day,  some  in  civil 
and  some  in  military  life.  This  prospect  alone  is  worth  a  visit 
to  Great  Hill,  and  it  persons  wish  to  ramble,  a  mile  and  half  cast 
of  this  hill  is  Clark's  Hill,  from  which  the  Sound  can  lie  seen. 

But  as  to  the  Mine.  Mr.  Seth  Hunt,  from  New  Hampshire, 
commenced  operations  at  Great  Hill  in  the  autumn  of!818  and 
continued  them  about  two  years.  Anticipating  great  results, 
he  expended  liberally  and  exhausted  his  own  resources.  In 
these  circumstances  he  sold  interests  in  what  he  had  done  and 
obtained,  say  one  sixteenth  to  one  friend  and  one  eighth  to  an- 
other, until  he  had  gathered  around  him  six  associates,  only  ono 
of  whom  is  now  living.  This  survivor  states  that  Mr.  Hunt  cx- 
perded  about  $20.000  -.  that  his  main  outlay  in  mining  was  in 
following  the  vein  opened  by  the  Germans  downwards.  hut  that 
he  also  opened  the  earth  and  traced  near  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
eastward,  where  he  found  more  mica  and  the  absence  of  h:,rn- 
blend,  and  that  he  expended  much  in  repairing  the  old 
furnace  in  Glastenbury  and  in  fitting  it  to  smelt,  in  carting  oro 
thither,  (where  most  was  sent.)  stamping  it  by  hand  and  re- 
ducing by  potash.  This  survivor  further  states,  that  though 
Mr.  Hunt  read  books  on  mining,  he  did  not  well  understand  his 
work,  and  that  he  doubts  whether  the  man  on  whom  he  relied 
for  chemical  and  scientific  information,  knew  more  than  he  did 
himself;  that  he  obtained  as  he  supposed  1000  Ihs.  of  Cobalt 
which  was  proved  in  England  to  be  nickel,  containing  from  3  to 
4  parts  of  Cobalt.  This  pi-oof  induced  an  entire  suspension  of 
operations. 

In  the  summer  of  1844  the  mine  was  opened  again  by  Prof. 
Shepherd,  author  of  the  "Report  on  the  Geological  Survey  of 
Connecticut."  He  employed  only  a  few  hands  for  a  short  time, 
but  what  disposition  he  made  of  the  ore,  and  what  discoveries 
he  or  others  obtained  from  it.  have  not  been  ascertained,  and  it 
is  a,  remarkable  fact,  after  all  that  has  been  done  at  different 
periods  in  and  about  Great  Hill  by  the  first  Gov.  Winthrop,  by 
the  Germans,  Mr.  Hunt  and  Prof.  Shepherd,  that  so  little  ia 
really  known  to  the  public  as  yet  as  to  the  worth  of  the  miner- 
als, and  whether  the  mine  can  be  so  wrought  as  to  render  much 
profit  to  the  undertakers.  It  is  evident  however  that  the  great 
object  which  has  b-en  sought  is  Cobalt,  which  has  long  been 
the  name  of  the  supposed  mine. 

"  Cobalt,"  says  Prof.  Johnston  of  the  Wesleyan  University,  "  is 
a  rare  metal  and  is  not  used  in  the  arts  in  a"  metallic  state,  but 


\ 

SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM.  277 

its  oxid  is  used  largely  in  preparing  the  beautiful  blue  coloring 
mutter  'or  painting  glass  and  porcelain  ware." 

44  This  locality,"  (the  one  about  Great  Hill)  he  adds,  "is  tho 
only  one  known  in  this  country,  where  this  peculiar  ore  of  tho 
•metal  is  obtained,  but  in  two  or  three  places  the  oxid  is  found 
associated  with  oxid  of  manganese.  At  mine  La  Motte  in  Mis- 
souri it  occurs  in  sufficient  quantity  to  be  extracted  from  the 
oro  for  use  in  the  arts." 

In  March  1850.  Mr.  Edmund  Brown  in  conjunction  with  some 
friends  began  operations  about  the  base  of  Great  Hill,  a  little 
eastward  from  the  place  where  the  previous  operations  had  been 
made.  He  employed  many  hands  and  sunk  a  shaft.  1  by  9,  38 
feet  deep,  and  wrought  from  the  shaft  for  some  50  to  GO  feet, 
and  took  from  the  opening  a  largo  amount  of  ore.  They  then 
commenced  a  tunnel  seven  hundred  feet  east  of  the  shaft  at  a 
ravine,  and  proceeded  with  it  some  35  feet  westerly  with  a  view 
of  meeting  the  opening  from  the  bhaft,  in  the  meanwhile  putting 
up  the  stamping  works,  laboratory  and  smelting  works  already 
mentioned.  But  after  doing  thus  much,  in  the  course  of  fifteen 
months,  and  expending  a  large  amount  of  money,  the  company 
iailed,-or  stopped  operations,  and  Mr.  Brown  has  since  died. 

Dr.  Franckfort,  a  French  physician  and  chemist,  mentioned  on 
page  100  of  this  work,  was  employed  sometime  in  examining 
and  testing  the  ore  taken  from  about  the  shaft,  before  the  com- 
pany tailed,  and  he  is  full  in  the  opinion  that  a  leader  only  was 
struck  and  not  the  vein,  though  he  thinks  he  has  discovered  the 
vein  himself.  But  the  leader  contains  an  ore  of  Cobalt,  which 
he  analysed,  and  as  his  analysis  has  been  pronounced  correct 
by  some  of  the  best  chemists,  1  am  authorized  to  publish  it  in  hid 
own  words.  "Analysis  of  an  ore  found  in  Chatham,  Middlesex 
County,  Conn,  by  E.  Franckfort,  M.  D." 

Arsenic,      80,04 

Sulphur,     4.47 

Iron, 9,03 

Cobalt 2.50 

Nickel, 3,75      ' 

Bismuth  trace. 

99,79 

From  this  analysis  he  observes,  that  the  ore  is,  properly  speak- 
ing, an  arscnsical  pyrites  containing  some  cobalt  and  nickel,  and 
not  a  cobalt  ore." 

In  a  communication  by  Dr.  Franckfort  from  which  a  quota- 
tion is  made  in  connection  with  his  name,  he  observes  in  regard 
to  operations  made  about  Great  Hill  by  the  Germans  and  othera 
prior  to  Mr.  Brown,  that  they  "worked  in  the  micaceous  shale 
of  that  region,  with  a  view  of  obtaining  the  smaltine  or  Cobalt 
Pyrites,  a  silvery  white  fine  grained  ore  found  here.  The  black 
peroxyd  of  Cobalt,  extensively  used  in  the  manufacture  of  blue 
pottery,  fine  smalt.  &c.  &e.  was  the  object  which  those  who 


278  SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

mined  here  wished  to  prepare.  This  mineral,  he  adds,  is  very 
rare  in  the  1'iuted  States  and  there  is  no  douht  whatever  that 
the  regular  vein  of  it,  which  the  writer,  [Dr.  Franckfort,]  thinks 
to  have  discovered,  will  pay  amply  for  mining.  There  has  also, 
formerly,  a  mineral  of  copper  red  color,  called  Copper  Ntckcl,» 
been  found,  but  [  have  never  been  able  to  discover  a  vestige  of 
it,  though  looking  after  it  diligently.  Nickel  is  a  metal  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  German  Silver." 

It  is  understood  that  the  regular  vein,  believed  to  con  tain  much 
more  Cobalt  than  the  lender  which  Mr.  Brown  struck,  will  soon 
be  opened  again,  and  it  is  hoped  for  the  benefit  ol  the  community 
as  well  as  that  of  the  undertakers,  that  the  next  effort  will  bo 
attended  with  great  andknowu  success. 


PHYSICIANS  IN  MIDDLE-HADDAM. 

In  the  address  page  90,  mention  is  made  of  three  physicians 
in  Middle  lluddam,  Drs.  Juy/tiia  Arnold,  Jeremiali  Bradford  and 
Amos  Skede. 

Dr.  Arnold,  lived  on  the  Neck,  but  doubtless  practiced  amun* 
the  inhabitants  north  of  it,  and  probably  much  in  the  town  of 
Haddam  after  the  death  of  Rev.  Phinoas  Fiske  in  1738,  who  had 
been  physician  both  for  the  souls  and  bodies  of  his  people.  Ho 
died  in  1753  aged  GO.  There  is  a  tradition  that  the  Red  Cedar, 
found  abundantly  in  some  lands,  not  far  from  his  residence, 
were  introduced  by  him. 

Jeremiah  Bradford,  was  the  son  of_Gershom  and  Priscilla 
(Wiswalk)  Bradford,  first  of  Kingston,  Mass,  and  then  of  Bris- 
tol II.  I.,  grandson  of  Samuel  and  Hannah  (Rogers)  Bradford, 
of  Duxbury,  Mass.  Samuel  Bradford,  was  son  of  William  Brad- 
ford, a  distinguished  inhabitant  and  Lieut.  Governor  of  Plymouth 
Colony,  and  grandson  of  Gov.  William  Bradford.  Where  Dr. 
Bradford  studied  medicine  is  not  ascertained.  He  settled  in 
Middle  Uaddam  probably  as  early  as  1754  or  5,  and  practised 
until  old  age,  dying  in  1814,  aged  80.  He  was  a  man  of  good 
sense  and  an  able  practitioner, 

Amos  Skede,  a  native  of  Woodbury,  at  the  commencement  of 
of  tho  Revolution,  entered  the  American  army  by  a  temporary 
enlistment  and  was  in  the  battle  at  White  Plains.  Upon  a  sud- 
den call  in  1777,  he  went  in  pursuit  of  the  English  as  they 
were  retreating  from  Danbury,  and  while  engaged  in  attack  up- 
on them  was  wounded  by  a  bullet  in  his  right  arm,  and  was  so 
injured  as  to  unfit  him  for  the  pursuit  of  agriculture  in  which 
he  had  before  engaged,  and  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  study 
of  medicine.  For  a  time  he  studied  in  Litchtield,  but  during 
the  greater  part  of  his  preparations  he  was  under  the  instruc- 
tions of  Dr.  Hastings  in  Bethlem.  While  in  this  town  he  had 
the  privilege  of  sitting  under  the  preaching  of  Rev.  Dr.  Bellamy 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM.  279 

which  contributed  much  to  the  formation  of  his  religious  char- 
acter. He  entered  upon  practice  in  Hampton  in  1783,  aud  mov- 
ed to  Middle  Haddam  in  1787.  He  lived  in  the  north-eastern 
part  of  the  parish,  in  the  house  afterward  owned  by  Capt.  Ste- 
phen Griffith,  whence  it  was  convenient  for  him  to  visit  patients 
in  the  northern  part  of  Middle  Haddam,  and  also  the  western 
part  of  East  Hampton.  He  removed  to  Somers  in  1795,  where 
he  continued  a  number  of  years,  and  then  removed  again  to 
Chicopee,  Mass,  where  he  practised  until  he  was  about  80,  and 
where  he  died  March  2,  1843  aged  93.  For  a  very  long  period 
he  discharged  the  duties  of  piety  to  God  and  beneficence  to  men 
with  remarkable  fidelity.  For  many  years  he  was  deacon  in  the 
church  in  Chicopee,  and  was  very  active  and  successful  in  pro- 
moting its  religious  interests. 

Dr.  Nat'ianiel  Freeman  was  contemporary  for  a  time  with  both 
Dr.  Bradford  and  Dr.  Skeele.  He  was  a  native  of  the  parish, 
and  was  a  smart  active  man,  but  did  not  acquire  an  extensive 
practice.  He  died  probably  not  far  from  the  commencement  of 
this  century,  perhaps  a  few  years  previously. 

Dr.  Thomas  Brainerd,  a  native  of  Middle  Haddam,  lived  upon 
the  Neck,  but  doubtless  practised  somewhat  among  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  Society  further  north.  His  practice  was  limited,  and 
Borne  years  before  his  death  he  moved  to  Ludlow.  Mass. 

David  B.  Holhster,  a  native  of  Glastenbury,  first  settled  in 
Middle-Haddam  as  a  merchant.  He  had  previously  studied 
surgery,  and  afterwards  made  himself  acquainted  with  medicine. 
He  accordingly  commenced  the^ti-actice  cf  medicine  among  the 
people  and  was  regarded  as  skilful.  He  died  Aug.  8,  1821,  in 
the  56th  year  of  his  age. 

Ebenezer  Munger,  native  of  Madison,  graduate'of  Yale  College 
1814,  studied  medicine  partly  in  New  York,  practised  a  short 
time  in  Middle  Haddam,  moved  to  Haddam  in  1818  or  19  and 
thence  about  1823  to  Bainbridge,  N.  Y.,  then  to  Homer  where 
he  has  lived  some  20  years. 

Samuel  Simons,  born  in  Hampton,  was  brought  up  by  ex-Gov- 
ernor Peters  of  Hebron,  studied  medicine  and  was  taken  into 
partnership  with  him,  came  to  Middle  Haddam  in  1821  or  2, 
moved  to  Bridgeport  in  the  spring  of  1824,  received  the  degree 
of  M.  D.  from  Yale  College  in  1827,  was  elected  a  member  of 
Congress  from  the  4th  Congressional  District  of  Connecticut  in 
1843,  died  at  Bridgeport  in  1847. 

FreJcric  Morgan,  native  of  Groton,  graduate  of  Yale  College 
1813,  Tutor,  M.  D.  studied  medicine  principally  with  Dr.  Na- 
than Smith  ;  began  practice  in  Colchester  in  Jan.  1820,  succee- 
ded l)r  Simons  in  Middle  Haddam  in  1824,  moved  to^  Middle- 
town  in  the  spring  of  1820:  and  remained  thereuntil  Feb.  1829, 
when  he  moved  to  Ellington  :  in  Oct.  1830  he  returned  to  Col- 
chester where  he  has  since  practised. 

Charles  Smith,  son  of  Col.  Chester  Smith  of  North  Stonington 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Elcazer  B.  Downing  of  Preston  City, 
commenced  practice  in  East-Hamptcn  in  the  spring  of  1823, 
where  he  remained  until  March  27,  1826,  (the  day  on  which  his 
successor  there  took  his  place.)  when  he  moved  to  Middle  lladdam, 
where  he  died  March  13,  1848,  aged  47. 

Albert  B.  Wortltington,  native  of  Colchester,  studied  with  Dr. 
John  P.  Fuller,  formerly  of  Providence.  R.  I.,  then  of  Salem.  Ct. 
now  of  Norwich.  He  also  attended  lectures  in  Now  York.  Ho 
came  to  Middle  Haddam  a  little  before  the  death  of  Dr.  C.  Smith 
and  is  still  practising  there. 

Frederic  B.  Woodward  *  mentioned  as  rector  of  the  Episcopal 
church  at  the  Landing,  was  born  m  the  parish  of  North  Litch- 
field,  received  his  medical  education  at  New  Haven,  and  practis- 
ed in  Woodbury  generally  from  1824  untill  1830.  He  now  both 
preaches,  and  practises  medicine. 

Eugene  A.  Fnwckj'ort,  a  native  of  France,  but  who  received 
his  education  in  Germany,  being  graduated  at  the  Medical  Uni- 
versity of  Bonn,  and  also  at  the  Chemical  School  ofGiessen, 
came  to  Middle  Haddam  in  March  1851,  at  first  to  test  the  ores 
which  Mr.  Brown  had  collected  from  Great  Hill,  in  which  ser- 
vice he  was  engaged  until  the  subsequent  June.  Upon  the  sus- 
pension of  operations  by  Mr.  Brown,  he  resumed  the  practice  of 
medicine;  for  he  had  before  practised  medicine  in  Newtown, 
Bucks  County,  Penn.,  and  also  in  Philadelphia.  He  has  very 
recently  moved  his  family  to  Middletown  and  is  no%  working 
the  mine  usually  called  the  Lead  Mine,  and  which  is  described 
by  him  on  pp.  160  and  61  of  tins  work. 


LAWYERS  IN  MIDDLE  HADDAM. 

Asahcl  Hooker  Strong,  son  of  Rev.  Cyprian  Strong  D.  D.  of 
Portland,  was  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  17%,  and  was  one 
of  the  best  scholars  in  his  class.  He  studied  law  with  the  Hon. 
Sylvester  Gilbert  of  Hebron,  and  began  to  practice  as  early  as 
1802.  He  was  greatly  esteemed  by  his  brethren  of  the  bar  and 
by  the  judges  of  the  courts,  for  his  good  sense,  his  clear  and  dis- 
criminating knowledge  of  law,  and  his  fair  and  able  pleas  ;  ho 
was  an  excellent  counsellor  and  a  good  special  pleader. 

John  Ili'^/t  Peters,  was  the  son  of  Jonathan  Peters  of  Hebron, 
and  brother  of  John  T.  Peters,  late  a  judge  of  the  Superior 
Court  of  the  State,  and  of  Samuel  A.  Peters,  judge  of  the  Coun- 
ty Court  in  the  County  of  New  London,  was  graduated  at  Wil- 
liams College  in  1798,  and  having  studied  law  with  the  brother 
first  named,  began  practice  in  Middle  Haddam  as  early  as  1803, 
and  practised  law  there  until  his  death  in  Oct.  1811,  aged  35. 
He  was  a  well  read  lawyer,  but  not  distinguished  as  an  advocate, 
more  modest  than  brilliant,  and  more  correct  than  forcible. 
When  the  post-office  was  established  in  1804.  he  was  appointed 
postmaster  and  held  the  office  through  life. 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

Aliel  A.  Loomis — Elenczcr  Force.  See  list  of  lawyers  in  Mid- 
dle! own. 

A  sal i  el  Utlcy,  native  of  Wilbraham,  Mass.,  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  1822,  spent  a  year  or  two  in  Middle  Haddam,  then  went 
to  East  Haddam,  where  he  remained  until  the  spring  of  1831, 
when  he  went  to  Middletown,  where  he  ilied  on  the  27th  of  July 
following,  aged  35. 

Conslans  F.  Daniels,  came  to  Middle  Haddam  form  Waterford 
in  1822.  left  in  1825  and  now  lives  in  New  London. 

Mark  Moore,  came  from  Boston  to  Middle  Haddam  in  '1822, 
moved  to  Bridgeport  in  1825,  where  he  died  in  the  spring  of 
1850. 

Horace  Foote,  native  of  Maryborough,  graduate  of  Yale  Col- 
lege 1820,  studied  law  with  Seth  P.  Staples,  Esq.,  of  New  Ha- 
ven, was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1822,  moved  to  Cleveland  in 
Ohio  about  1835. 

Linus  Parmelcc,  native  of  Guilford,  whose  parents  moved  to 
Iladdam,  when  he  was  about  six  years  of  age,  studied  law  with 
Levi  H.  Clark,  Esq.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1808  or  9, 
practised  in  Haddam  until  1842,  since  which  time  he  has  prac- 
tised in  Middle  Haddam. 


GRADUATES    FROM    MIDDLE-HADDAM    AT 
DIFFERENT  COLLEGES. 

Jeremiah  Bradford,  Yale  College  1779.  Son  of  Dr.  J.  Brad- 
ford, born  in  Nov.  1758.  He  studied  medicine  but  never  prac- 
tised as  a  physician.  He  resided  tor  some  thne  at  Middle  Had- 
dam, and  about  the  year  1800,  moved  to  Berlin,  Vt.  where  he 
was  more  or  less  occupied  in  Agricultural  pursuits,  and  where 
he  died  Dec.  25, 1835,  aged  77  years. 

Sylvester  Selden,  Williams  College  1807.  Son  of  Rev.  David 
Selden.  studied  theology  at  Andover,  was  pastor  of  the  Congre- 
gational Church  in  Wcstbrook  from  June  10,  1812  until 

183  and  of  the  Congregational  Church  in  Hebron  from 
Sept.  30,  1835  until  his  death  Oct.  4,  1841,  at  the  age  of  55.-  His 
remains  are  interred  in  a  cemetery  in  Middle  Haddam,  near  the 
grave,  residence  and  church  of  his  father. 

Hiram  foot  Mather,  Yale  1813.  Studied  law  and  settled  in 
Auburn,  N.  Y. 

Ashbcl  Dart,  Yale  1816,  M.  D.  Studied  medicine  in  Middle- 
town  and  in  New  Haven,  and  attended  lectures  in  New  York  : 
settled  and  practised  in  Conneought,  Ohio,  where  he  died  in 
Nov,  1844  aged  51. 

James  Brainerd  Taylor,  son  of  Col.  Jeremiah  Taylor  was  born  in 
Middle  Haddam,  April  15th  1801.  He  was  a  graduate  at  Nas- 
eau-Hall,  Princeton,  N.  J.,  in  182G.  He  read  theology  at  New 


282  SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

Haven,  and  at  Prince  Edward,  Virginia.  Ho  died  at  the  early 
age  of  28.  His  memoirs  written  by  the  two  Doctors  Rice,  of 
Virginia,  present  him  as  one  of  the  most  remarkable  of  men  for 
his  religious  character  and  successful  effort  in  religious  action, 
during  his  short  career.  He  died  at  the  residence  of  John  Holt 
Rice,  D.  D.,  in  Virginia,  and  was  interred  in  the  burial  ground 
not  far  from  the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  at  Prince  Edward. 

Fitch  Welwyn  Taylor,  son  of  Col.  Jeremiah  Taylor  and  broth- 
er of  JamesoBrainerd  Taylor,  was  born  at  Middle  Haddam.  He 
was  graduated  at  Vale  College  in  1828.  He  read  theology,  as 
resident  graduate,  at  New  Haven,  and  in  Alexandria,  Virginia. 
He  was  Rector  of  William  and  Mary  Parish.  Charles  Co..  Mary- 
land, for  four  years,  and  then  made  a  voyage  around  the  world 
in  the  U.  S.  Frigate  Columbia.  He  received  an  appointment  in 
the  U.  S.  Navy  in  1841,  and  is  still  in  the  service.  He  is  author 
of  several  works  :  "  The  Flag  Ship,r'  "A  voyage  around  the 
World,"  "  The  Broad  Pennant,"  ''Ella  V — ,  or  the  July  Tour,'' 
and  *'A  New  Tribute  to  the  Memory  of  James  Brainerd  Tay- 
lor." 

William  Wright  Yale  1835,  studied  theology  in  New  Haven, 
was  settled  in  Jewett  City,  in  Griswold,  Nov.  18,  1832,  where  he 
was  pastor  about  four  years:  was  installed  in  Plainville,  in  Far- 
mington,  Nov.  8.  1843,  where  he  was  pastor  a  much  longer  pe- 
riod :  Feb.  15,  1852  he  was  constituted  pastor  of  the  church  at 
Chicopee,  Mass. 

Thomas  Tollman,  Vale  1837.  Graduate  of  the  Theological 
Department  in  that  institution  ;  was  installed  pastor  of  the 
church  in  the  society  of  Scotland,  in  Windham.  March  20,  1844. 


MIDDLE-HADDAM  POST  OFFICE, 

ESTABLISHED    IN    1804. 

Post  Masters. 

John  Hugh  Peters,  from  1804  to  1811. 

John  Stewart,  "  1811  "  1830. 

John  Stewart,  formerly  Jr.,  "  1830  "  1832. 

Henry  Stewart,  "  1832  "   1841. 

Huntington  Selden,  "  1841  '•' 

Cobaltville   Post-Office  in  the  north  part  of  Middle-Haddam, 
established  in  1851 — Charles  Rich,  postmaster. 


SKETCH  OF   EAST-HAMPTON. 


It  was  mentioned  in  the  address  that  the  first  settlers  in  East 
Hampton  were  attracted  thither  in  1743  by  the  fine  mill  site  at 
the  outlet  of  Powtopogue  pond  where  a  forge  was  erected.  This 
pond  is  a  beautiful  as  well  as  a  very  important  sheet  of  water. 
The  circumference  following  the  curves  of  the  shore  is  about 
nine  miles.  The  waters  are  generally  ten  feet  deep  and  inclose 
several  islands,  one  of  which  was  the  favorite  report  of  a  clan  of 
Indians.  It  is  fed  by  low  .springs,  for  rains  which  fail  so  gently 
as  nut  to  run  off  from  the  earth  do  not  alter  its  height.  For  sev- 
eral miles  the  outlet  is  known  by  the  name  of  the  Powtopngue 
stream,  and  then  by  that  of  Pine  Brook,  which  after  a  course  of 
six  or  seven  miles  in  East-Hampton  and  Middle-Haddam  empties 
itself  into  Salmon  River,  three  miles  from  the  entrance  of  that 
river  into  the  Connecticut  at  East  Haddam  Landing. 

At  the  time  the  forge  was  erected,  ii  on  was  verj7  much  needed 
by  the  inhabitants  in  the  surrounding  country,  and  it  was  soon 
needed  in  Ship-building,  to  which  the  attention  of  numbers  on 
the  Connecticut  was  turned  in  a  few  years.  How  much  business 
was  done  at  the  forge  for  the  first  forty  years  it  would  be  diffi- 
cult now  to  ascertain.  Probably  much  was  done.  The  proper- 
ty passed  into  the  hands  of  various  individuals  and  companies. 
For  a  time  at  least  it  was  held  by  Abijah  Hall.  About  1784  it 
passed  into  the  hands  of  his  son  Abijah  Hall,  Jim.,  and  from 
that  time  until  about  1810  or  12,  when  the  forge  was  given  up, 
about  8  hands  on  an  average  were  employed  in  it,  and  two  lads. 

Ore  was  brought  to  the  forge  from  West  Point,  and  from  this 
iron  was  made  for  use  in  ship-building.  The  best  iron  for  gen- 
eral purposes  was  made  from  pigs,  procured  in  the  city  ol  New 
York  and  from  Salisbury,  and  for  these  purposes  that  from  Sal- 
isbury was  preferred.  Much  iron  was  made  for  the  vessels  built 
at  Middletown,  and  in  places  below  on  the  river.  In  1825  a  new 
forge  was  built  on  the  site  of  the  old  forge,  and  a  scythe  factory, 
and  at  these,  business  was  done  several  years.  Both  are  dilapi- 
dated. 

The  factories  and  mills  now  existing  below  are  as  follows,  and 
in  the  order  they  are  named,  viz: 

BUELI,  &  VEAZEY'S  BELL  FACTORY,  which  employs  from  a  doz- 
en to  fifteen  hands.  The  principal  building  is  38  feet  by  22, 
two  stories  ;  to  which  an  iron  foundry  is  attached,  one  story, 
40  feet  by  20. 

BEVEN  BROTHERS'  BELL  FACTORY.  The  casting  shop  is  110  by 
18  with  a  turning  shop  connected.  30  feet  by  18.  There  is  also 
a  blacksmith  and  finishing  phop  55  feet  by  22.  They  employ 
oil  an  average  about  20  hands. 

24 


284  SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

BUELL  &  SEARS'  SAWMILL,  in  full  operation  is  on  the  east  side 
of  the  stream,  on  the  opposite  side  they  have  a  batting  mill. 

J.  S.  HALL  &  Go's.  BELL  FACTORY.  Shop  47  feet  by  26  ;  elev- 
en or  12  hands  on  an  average. 

BELL  FACTORY  OWNED  BY  THE  EAST  HAMPTON  BELL  COMPANY. 
Foundry  and  finishing  shop  91  feet  by  25,  2  stories;  19  feet 
head  and  fall,  wheel  16  feet.  Employs  15  hands.  This  is  on  tho 
ancient  site  of  Cook's  grist  mill. 

NOAH  S.  MARKVM'S  HOE  FACTORY.  The  building  is  36  feet  by 
26,  the  fall  of  water  14  feet.  Seven  hands  are  employed  and 
1200  dozen  of  hoes  made  annually.  These  are  the  concave  hoe, 
entirely  of  Cist  steel  and  highly  polished.  They  are  much  ad- 
mired at  the  north  for  all  the  purposes  for  which  hoes  arc 
needed.  For  this  fine  article  a  silver  medal  has  been  awarded 
to  Mr.  Markum  by  the  American  Institute  in  the  city  ot  New 
York. 

NILES,  PARMELEE  &  Go's.  BELL  FACTORY.  The  building  is  36 
feet  by  20,  the  fall  of  water  14  feet,  turning  an  overshot  wheel 
of  12  feet  diameter.  Ten  hands  are  employed. 

BARTON  &  CLARK'S  FACTORY.  The  building  is  36  feet  by  18, 
with  two  wings  18  by  14.  The  fall  of  water  is  14  feet,  and  the 
wheel,  (a  breast  wheel)  16  in  diameter.  This  manufactures 
brass  kettles  of  various  sizes,  which  are  useful  for  all  purposes 
in  which  iron  material  is  not  needed. 

SKINNER'S  SAWMILL.  This  has  a  fall  of  water  of  16  feet.  It 
is  new  and  in  full  operation.  Connected  with  this  is  a  large 
building  in  which  is  a  grain  mill,  and  in  which  manufacturing 
operations  are  expected  to  be  carried  on. 

All  the  above  factories  and  mills  are  within  two  miles  of  tho 
Powtopogue  Pond.  Further  on  are  : 

ABEL'S  SAW  &  GRAIN  MILLS.  These  are  in  operation,  but  out 
of  repair. 

PINE  BROOK  FACTORY,  38  feet  by  26.  There  has  not  been 
much  done  in  this  factory,  and  it  is  now  undergoing  repairs. 

WEST'S  SAW  MILL.  This  has  a  fall  of  16  feet,  but  the  build- 
ing is  so  much  decayed  as  not  to  be  tit  for  use. 

JOHNSON'S  PISTOL  FACTORY,  24  feet  by  20,  7  feet  posts,  not  in 
operation. 

JUSTIN  SEXTON  &  SONS'  SATINET  FACTORY,  36  by  26  with  an 
ell  22  by  20,  fall  of  water  18  feet,  the  wheel  14.  This  employs 
5  hands,  cards  wool  and  manufuctures  cloth  for  customers. 
With  this  factory  a  saw  mill  is  connected. 

Northeast  of  the  Pond,  on  Chatham  and  Marlborough  Turn- 
pike, H.  &  W.  Veazey,  have  a  bell  factory  moved  by  horse  pow- 
er, which  employs  on  an  average  16  hands. 

Nearly  all  the  bell  factories  manufacture  ship  and  house  bells, 
cow,  sheep,  hand  and  sleigh  bells.  Various  articles  of  iron  are 
also  manufactured  in  them  to  some  extent,  particularly  wattle 
irons. 


SKETCH   OF    CHATHAM.  285 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  sleigh  bells  are  manufactured  here, 
and  in  the  factory  mentioned  as  being  in  Middle-Haddam,  almost 
exclusively  for  all  those  parts  of  the  United  States  in  which  such 
bells  are  used,  and  also  in  Canada.  With  the  exception  of  a 
small  quantity  made  in  a  factory  in  New  Britain,  it  is  said,  they 
are  entirely.  The  manufacturing  entcrprize  and  general  pro- 
sperity of  East  Hampton  are  very  mu.  h  owing  to  Mr.  William 
Barton,  who  was  born  in  Wintonbury.  a  society  of  Windsor,  now 
the  town  of  Bloomfield.  Nov.  26,1762.  He  labored  with  his 
father,  whose  name  he  bore,  and  who  was  armorer  at  Springfield 
in  the  Revolutionary  war.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned 
to  Wintonbury  and  manufactured  pistols  and  other  warlike  im- 
plements until  1790,  when  he  went  to  New  York  and  engaged  in 
the  manufacture  of  andirons  and  articles  of  brass.  From  that 
city  he  came  to  East  Hampton  in  the  spring  of  1808,  and  com- 
menced the  manufacture  of  hand  and  sleigh-bells.  Others  ac- 
quired skill  from  him  and  engaged  in  the  same  concern.  Liber- 
al minded  himself,  he  was  happy  in  benefitting  others  and  the 
community  soon  began  to  flourish  around  him.  In  May  1826 
he  removed  to  Cicero,  in  the  state  of  New  York,  where  he  exer- 
ted a  happy  influence,  but  after  20  years  returned  to  spend  the 
residue  of  his  days  with  his  children  and  friends  in  East  Hamp- 
ton, where  he  died  July  15,  1849,  universally  respected  and  la- 
mented. 

In  connection  with  the  foregoing  factories  and  mills  it  might 
have  been  mentioned,  that  further  south  on  Pino  Brook,  are 
Rand's  Oakum  Factory  and  House's  Paper  ?lill.  But  the  form- 
er is  not  now  in  operation,  and  both  are  in  a  part  of  Middle 
Haddam,  belonging  to  the  town  of  Haddam. 

Salmon  River  for  some  distance  washes  the  south-eastern  bor- 
der of  East  Hampton  parish.  The  principal  sources  of  this 
stream  are  in  Hebron  and  Lebanon  ;  it  passes  through  a  part  of 
Colchester.  It  is  much  larger  than  that  flowing  from  the  pond. 
On  this  are  several  sites  where  factories  might  be  built.  But  as 
the  river  is  liable  to  sudden  and  great  rises,  as  dams  of  much 
strength  and  cost  are  needed,  and  as  they  are  further  from  navi- 
gable water,  than  the  sites  on  the  other  stream,  they  are  notj-et 
occupied.  But  should  the  contemplated  rail  road  through  Mid- 
dletown  on  to  Boston  be  soon  built,  it  is  probable  men  of  the 
requisite  capital  would  secure  the  sites  and  erect  upon  them 
large  establishments.  There  are  however,  many  unoccupied 
privileges  on  Pine  Brook,  where  men  of  small  capital  may  invest 
property  to  advantage.  A  good  road  opened  along  near  ihe 
stream  would  hasten  their  occupation. 

East  Hampton  was  settled  more  rapidly  than  any  part  of  Mid- 
dletown  east  of  the  Connecticut.  There  was  a  rush  of  inhabit- 
ants there  upon  the  erection  of  the  forge  at  the  outlet  of  the 
Pond  about  1743. 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 


The  names  of  the  inhabitants  and  their  lists  as  taken  that  year, 
Rnd  as  stated  on  the  colony  records,  were  as  follows  : 


Axariah  Andrewo, 

*  Jonathan  Bailev, 

*  David  Bailey, 

*  John  Beven,  Jun. 

*  William  Beven, 
John  Boz  worth, 

*  Jabez  Clark, 

*  Ebenezer  Clark, 

*  John  Clark, 

*  Josiali  Cook, 
Samuel  Eggleston, 

*  Stephen  Griffith, 
Nathan  Harding, 
Daniel  Hills. 

Total 


',  30        I  George  Hubbard,  33 

48,16     *  James  Johnson,  86 

27        |  Wm.  Johnson,  9 

34.00  I  *  Seth  Knowles,  58,10 

20        1  *  John  Markum,  21 

18          *  William  Norcot,  41 

39.09     *  William  Norcot,  Jun.     20 
42.13  |  *  Joseph  Parker,  100.16 

143.10     *  Hezekiah  Russ.  30 

32.06     *  Isaac  Smith,  26 

30  John  Stephen?,  26 
47        |  *  Samuel  Wad  worth,        40 
27          *  Isaac  Williams,  18 

31  *  Daniel  Young,  22 

1100.00. 

All  those  whose  names  are  starred,  together  with  Caleb  John- 
son, William  Clark,  Shubael  and  Thomas  Lewis,  became  after- 
wards applicants  for  society  privileges,  and  the  reason  that  the 
others  named  did  not,  is  probably  owing  to  death,  removal  or 
some  other  circumstance  of  which  we  have  no  information. 

A  Mr  Miller  early  settled  in  the  society,  from  whom  the  hill 
where  he  lived,  over  which  the  Chatham  and  Colchester  Turn- 
pike passes,  is  called  Millers  Hill.  John  Parmelee  from  Bran- 
ford  was  also  an  early  settler.  James  Bill  from  Lebanon,  and 
Joseph  Buell  from  Colchester  came  here  afterwards. 

The  parish  was  incorporated  in  May  1746.  the  church  was  or- 
ganized Nov.  30.  1748.  at  winch  time  Rev.  John  Norton,  a  native 
of  Berlin  and  graduate  of  Yale  College  1737,  was  installed  their 
pastor. 

He  was  settled  before.  Nov.  25.  1741  over  a  small  church  and 
congregation  at  Falltown.  now  Bernardston,  Mass.,  but  the  peo- 
ple being  greatly  disturbed  by  the  occurrence  of  the  first  French 
war.  he  took  a  dismission  in  1745,  and  became  chaplain  at  Fort 
Massachusetts,  in  Adams.  He  wa«  there  at  the  time  it  was  at- 
tacked, Aug.  20.  1740.  by  an  army  of  about  900  French  and  In- 
dians under  Gen  De  Yaudruil.  Sergt.  Hawks,  afterwards  Col. 
Hawks,  who  commanded  the  fort  at  that  time,  had  only  22  ef- 
fective men  with  him,  and  but  33  persons,  men,  women  and 
children,  and  was  miserably  supplied  with  ammunition.  Not- 
withstanding these  unfortunate  circumstances,  he  defended  tho 
fort  28  hours,  and  probably  would  never  have  given  it  up  had 
not  his  ammunition  failed.  He  was  finally  obliged  to  capitulate 
and  offered  such  articles  as  were  accepted.  One  special  article 
•was,  that  none  of  the  prisoners  should  be  delivered  into  the 
hands  of  the  Indians.  The  noxt  day  however.  Vaudruil  deliv- 
ered one  half  of  them  to  the  Indians,  on  the  plea  that  there  was 
•*".nwr  of  mutiny  in  his  army,  the  Indians  being  irritated  that 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM.  287 

they  were  cut  offfrom  the  profits  of  the  conquest.  The  savages 
immediately  killed  one  of  the  prisoners,  because  being  sick,  he 
was  unable  to  travel,  for  the  prisoners  were  destined  to  march 
into  Canada  as  captives.  In  the  siege,  Col.  Hawks  lost  but  one 
map,  while  the  enemy  as  near  as  could  bo  ascertained,  lost  45 
men,  who  were  either  killed  outright  or  died  of  their  wounds. 

Mr.  Norton  wrote  an  account  of  his  captivity  and  that  of  his 
companions,  which  was  published,  and  fills  a  duodecimo  pam- 
phlet of  40  pages.  From  tiiis  it  appears  that  when  the  prison- 
ers were  marched  as  far  as  Crown  Point,  on  their  way  to  Que- 
bec, a  party  of  the  Indians,  who  went  off  from  Adams  with  a 
view  of  attacking  Deerfield,  returned  with  6  scalps  and  one  cap- 
tive, and  that  afterwards,  while  in  Quebec,  a  sickness  broke  out 
among  the  English  prisoners  ;  that  Air.  Norton  himself  was  re- 
peatedly sick,  and  that  15  belonging  to  the  company  from  Adams 
died,  10  men,  3  women  and  2  children,  and  that  on  the  27th  of 
Aug.  1747,  they  sailed  under  a  flag  of  truce  from  Quebec,  and  on 
the  16th  of  September  arrived  in  Boston. 

In  1755,  in  the  2d  French  war,  while  pastor  at  East  Hampton, 
Mr.  Norton  went  as  chaplain' in  the  expedition  to  Crown  Point, 
and  the  members  of  the  Hartford  South  Association,  to  which 
he  belonged,  agreed  to  supply  his  pulpit  from  Oct,  12th,  in  that 
year,  till  Feb.  2d.  1756,  He  died  of  the  small  pox,  March  24, 
1778  aged  62. 

Rev.  Lemuel  Parsons,  native  of  Durham,  graduate  of  Yale  1773, 
succeeded  Mr.  Norton  as  pastor  Feb.  10,  1779  and  died  in  Feb. 
1791,  two  days  after  he  had  closed  the  12th  year  of  his  ministry, 
aged  37. 

Rev.  Joel  West,  native  of  Lebanon,  graduate  of  Dartmouth  Col- 
lege 1789  was  ordained  Oct.  17,  1792.  and  died  in  the  pastoral 
office  Oct.  20,  1826.  aged  60. 

Since  his  death  the  people  have  had  the  following  pastors; — 
Rev.  Messrs.  Timothy  atone,  Samuel  J.  Curtis,  Rufus  Smith  and 
William  Russell. 

Mr.  Stone,  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Timothy  Stone  of  the  society 
of  Goshen,  in  Lebanon, and  was  early  prepared  to  enter  some  class 
in  college,  but  by  reason  of  disease  abandoned  literary  pursuits 
for  some  time,  and  studied  the  art  of  painting  with  the  celebra- 
ted John  Trumbull,  a  native  of  the  same  town  with  himself. 
After  this,  becoming  a  subject  of  grace,  he  resolved  to  enter  the 
ministry  and  placed  himself  under  the  instruction  of  President 
Dwight,  living  in  his  family,  and  under  his  guidance  pursuing 
both  classical  and  theological  studies.  Nov.  10,  1803  he  was  or- 
dained pastor  of  the  church  in  South  Cornwall,  and  at  the  com- 
mencement in  1804  the  Corporation  of  Yale  College  conferred 
upon  him  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts.  He  was  dismissed  from 
this  charge  in  1827  or  the  beginning  of  1828,  and  on  the  4th  of 
June  in  the  last  mentioned  year  was  installed  pastor  of  the  church 
in  East  Hampton.  He  was  dismissed  a  second  time  Feb.  7,  1832; 
*  24 


288 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 


and  soon  after  returned  to  his  family  in    South  Cornwall  where 
ho  died  April  14,  1852  aged  nearly  78. 

Mr.  Curtis,  a  native  of  Meriden.  was  settled  in  East  Hampton 
Nov.  1,  1832  and  dismissed  Nov.  21.  1837  After  his  dismission 
he  was  stated  supply  at  West  Woodstock  and  at  Union  :  at  the 
latter  place  lie  lias  been  pastor  sine,'  April  12.  1843.  On  faat 
day  -March  25,  1842,  he  was  called  to  the  sudden  and  aggrava- 
ted affliction  of  parting  with  his  wife  and  a  daughter  who  wer« 
killed  by  lightning. 

Mr.  Smit/t  is  a  native  of  Chaplin,  and  was  sometime  a  physi- 
cian in  Griswold,  but  afterwards  studied  theology  and  was  licen- 
sed to  preach.  He  was  settled  in  East  Hampton,  Sept.  19,  1838 
and  was  dismissed  Aug.  1,  1845.  He  now  lives  in  East  Hartford. 
Mr.  Russet  is  a  native  of  Stratford,  graduate  of  Yale  1837. 
Studied  theology  at  New  Haven.  He  was  first  settled  in  Wake- 
man.  Huron  Co.,  Ohio,  in  Dec.  1842.  He  was  installed  in  E. 
Hampton  Oct,  14,  1846. 

The  early  records  of  the  church  are  lost,  and  of  course  it  can- 
not be  told  of  how  many  the  church  consisted  at  its  formation, 
nor  how  many  were  admitted  to  it  by  Mr.  Norton. 

Mr.  Parsons,  admitted  58 

Mr.  West,  "  128 

Mr.  Stone,  "  16 

Mr.  Curtis,  "  40 

Mr.  Smith,  "  22 

Nr.  Russell  has  admitted,  37 

The  number  of  members  Jan.^1,  1852,  was  118 

DEACONS. 


Ebenezcr  Clarke, 
Isaac  Smith, 
John  Clarke,  Esq. 
James  Bill,  Esq. 
Gideon  Arnold, 
Mobes  Cook, 
Isaac  Smith, 
Joseph  Sage, 
David  Clarke,  Esq. 
Warren  A.  Skinner, 
Diodate  B.  West, 

The  society  have  the  following  funds   for  the  support  of  the 
ministry  : — 

A  bequest  made  by  Mr.  Silas  Smith  in  Aug.  1840        f878. 
One  hundred  dollars  raised  by  the  society.  100. 

978. 
The  annual  contributions  of  the  people  to  the  great  objects  of 


Elected.                    Deaths.               Agt 

Moved  away. 

July     29,  1802. 

85. 

Aug.      8,  1809. 

94. 

July     5,     1795. 

July,    23,  1825. 

87. 

do. 

Feb.     17,  1807. 

72. 

May  16,     1805, 

May     15,  1818, 

75. 

do. 

Oct.      28,  1815, 

70. 

July   24,     1815, 

Feb.     20,  1818,         60, 

July            1816, 

Mar.    20,  1843,      \  88. 

May     1,     1818, 

1 

1824, 

SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM.  289 

Christian    benevolence  have  been  for  several  jenrs  past   about 
$200. 

BAPTIST  CHURCH  IN  EAST  HAMPTON. 

A  few  families  ot  this  denomination  by  the  name  of  Morgan, 
Webb  and  Welsh,  originally  fi-mii  Colchester,  but  who  had  lived 
for  a  time  in  Nova  Scotia,  came  to  this  place  and  settled  about 
1775.  Among  these  a  church  was  formed  Sept.  10,  1784.  The 
Strict  Congregationalists  in  thcsouthern  part  of  Haddainin  1792 
professed  themselves  Baptists  and  united  with  them.  The  two 
branches  maintained  public  worship  separately.  Elder  William 
Welsh  who  labored  nv>r^  <>r  less  in  both  branches  lived  in  East 
Hampton.  He  died  in  1824,  and  the  branch  there  is  extinct. 


METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

The  Methodists  in  East  Hampton  began  to  have  week-day 
preaching  about  1815;  from  1828  to  1847  they  had  preaching 
pnce  in  two  weeks  on  the  sabbath,  and  from  1847  they  have  had 
preaching  from  sabbath  to  sabbath.  In  1830  they  built  a  meet- 
ing-house on  Miller's  Hill,  48  feet  by  30.  which  cost  $1800. 
Twenty-eight  of  their  members  withdrew  from  them  in  1848. 
The  number  belonging  to  the  church  Jan.  1,  1852  was  30;  and 
6  persons  were  on  probation. 


FREE    METHODISTS. 

The  twenty-eight  persons  who  withdrew  from  the  Methodisl 
Episcopal  Church  in  1848  were  formed  into  a  free  or  indepen- 
dent church.  Thoy  built  a  house  for  the  worship  of  God.  which 
was  dedicated  April  10,  1851.  Its  dimensions  are  40  feet  by  30, 
Their  members  Jan.  1,  1852  were  48. 


PHYSICIANS  IN  EAST  HAMPTON. 

Dr.  Robert  Usher,  who  practised  medicine  in  East  Hampton 
and  also  in  Westehester,  is  spoken  of  in  the  address,  and  noth- 
ing farther  need  to  be  stated  here  respecting  him,  except  that 
his  residence  was  in  the  southeast  part  of  Chatham,  in  a  neigh- 
borhood called  Waterhole,  and  attached  to  the  parish  of  West- 
Chester  in  Colchester,  separated  from  the  parish  of  East  Hamp- 
ton by  Salmon  river. 

John  Richmond  was  from  Brookfield,  Mass.  He  studied  medi- 
cine with  Dr.  Timothy  Hall  of  East  Hartford,  and  was  introduc- 
ed into  East  Hampton  by  Dr.  Coleman  of  Glastenbury  about 
1792.  He  died  Dec.  16,  1821  aged  54.  Besides  attending  pro- 
fessional duties,  he  guided  the  studies  of  several  young  men  who 


290  SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 

•were  contemplating  the  same  services.  Richard  Mayo  Smith, 
who  became  his  successor  was  his  pupil  ;  Newell  Smith  already 
mentioned  in  the  notice  of  1'ortland  physicians,  Abncr  (lark. 
who  is  now  living  near  Dunkirk,  N.  Y.,  and  Elijah  Root  who 
died  in  Marlborough  in  the  autumn  of  1827,  were  also  his  pupils. 

Richard  Mayo  Smith,  native  of  Chaplin,  was  attending  medi- 
cal lectures  at  New  Haven  at  the  time  of  Dr.  Richmond's  death. 
He  commenced  practice  in  East  Hampton  in  the  spring  of  1822, 
and  died  on  the  22d.  of  December  following,  aged  26.  The 
church  records  say  he  died  Dec.  23d. 

Charles  Smith,     See  physicians  of  Middle  Haddam. 

Francis  Griswold  Edgerton,  born  in  Norwich,  studied  medicine 
for  a  shorter  or  longer  period  with  Drs.  George  Hazard  of  South 
Kingston,  R.  I  .  Philemon  Tracy  of  Norwich  Town,  and  William 
P.  Eaton  of  Norwich  Landing,  and  attended  medical  lectures  in 
New  Haven  in  1824  and  5.  He  commenced  practice  in  East 
Hampton  on  the  27th  of  March  1826.  and  has  ever  since  practis- 
ed iu  this  place. 

To  this  notice  it  may  be  properly  added  that  Elias  Norton  a 
son  of  Rev.  John  Norton,  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Thomas 
Mosely  of  East  Haddam  and  was  surgeon's  mate  with  Dr.  Rob- 
ert Usher  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  by  an  appointment  made 
Jan  29.  1776.  He  afterwards  settled  as  a  physician  at  Machias 
in  Maine,  where  he  died  some  years  since. 

Dan  Arnold,  also  a  native  of  East  Hampton,  studied  medicine 
with  Dr.  John  R.  VVatrous  of  Colchester  and  settled  in  Hebron, 
where  he  has  practised  about  60  years. 

GRADUATES  FROM  EAST  HAMPTON. 

Amasa  West  was  long  a  member  of  one  of  the  New  England 
Colleges,  it  is  believed  of  Williams  College,  and  he  is  spoken  of 
in  East  Hampton  as  being  a  graduate,  and  as  having  taught 
school  there  after  he  was  graduated,  but  as  his  name  is  not  on 
the  Triennial  catalogue  of  Williams  College,  nor  of  any  other 
college  which  the  writer  has  consulted,  it  is  doubted  whether  he 
went  wholly  through  with  his  college  course.  He  studied  the- 
ology, and  went,  it  is  believed  as  early  as  1812  or  13  to  the 
county  of  Cbatauque,  and  preached  in  several  places  about  the 
centre  of  that  county  for  many  years.  He  is  now  in  the  State 
of  Michigan. 

Ephraim  Tucker  Barstow,  Yale  1841.  Died  while  engaged  in 
the  study  of  law  at  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  in  1845. 

7»;/./';/x  Smith,  son  of  Rev.  Rufus  Smith,  was  born  in  Griswold, 
and  graduated  at  Yale  1846.  He  taught  school  in  Powelton, 
Hancock  Co.,  Georgia,  about  a  year ;  and  then  on  due  consulta- 
tion and  advice  started  for  Texas,  with  the  view  of  opening  a 
school  in  that  State,  but  on  his  way  fell  sick  with  the  yellow  fe- 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM.  291 

ver  at  New  Orleans,  where  he  died  Oct.  15, 1847  aged  26.  He  held 
a  very  respectable  rank  in  his  class,  and  had  been  an  exemplary 
professor  of  religion  a  number  of  years. 

Skaler  Hall,  G.  of  Michigan  University  1847,  is  engaged  in 
manufacturing. 

Adonijah  S  Welsh,  G  of  Michigan  University  1847,  is  employ- 
ed in  teaching  at  Jonesville.  Michigan. 

Edwin  H.  Cole,  W.  U.   1851.     Is  teaching  in  Armenia,  N.  Y. 


EAST  HAMPTON  POST-OFFICE, 

ESTABLISHED    IN    1817. 

Post  Masters. 

Franklin  G.  Comstock.  from  June       1818  to  the  spring  of  1821. 
David  Buell,  from  the  spring  of  1821  "  1845. 

William  G.  Buell,  <•  1845         May  21,         1850. 

Nonh  S.  Markum,  from  May  21,       1850 

Chatham   Post-Office,  also  in    East  Hampton,    established   in 
1851,  Moses  Warren  Comstock,  postmaster. 


ADDITIONAL  ITEMS. 

Within  the  society  of  East  Hampton  there  arc  177  tenantable 
dwelling  houses  and  188  families.  About  80  of  the  houses  have 
been  built  within  26  years,  and  during  that  time  about  half  as 
many  have  been  torn  down  or  abandoned  as  dwellings. 

The  small  section  of  land,  belonging  to  Chatham,  which  is  at- 
tached to  the  society  of  VA7estchester,  lies  to  the  southeast  of 
East  Hampton,  and  is  separated  from  it  by  Salmon  river.  The 
section  is  part  of  a  school  district  called  YVaterhole,  and  in  this 
section  there  are  8  houses  and  9  families. 

The  number  of  school  districts  in  East  Hampton  is  7  ;  the 
children  in  them  between  the  ages  of  4  and  10  in  1851  was  236, 
and  there  were  6  more  in  the  Chatham  part  of  Waterhole. 

There  are  two  merchant  stores  in  East  Hampton. 

The  grave-yards  in  the  society  are  3,  and  there  is  a  4th  in 
Waterhole  within  the  limits  of  Chatham.  The  deaths  in  E.  H. 
for  10  years  prior  to  Jan.  1,  1852  were  91. 


JUSTICES  IN  CHATHAM 

UNTIE  THE  ADOPTION  OF  THE  PRESENT  CONSTITUTION  OF 
THE    STATE, 

Inclusive  of  those  who  lived  in  what  was  at  the  time  the  First 


292 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM. 


Society  in  Chatham,  but  has  since  become  the  Town  of  Portland. 
The  justices  who  are  not  indicated  as  living  in  Middle  rladdam 
or  East  Hampton  by  the  letters  M.  H.  and  E.  H.,  affixed  to  their 
names,  are  to  be  regarded  as  having  lived  within  the  present 
limits  ot  the  new  Town. 


Names. 

Deaths. 

Ages. 

Joseph  White, 

Dec. 

H 

1770. 

82. 

Nathaniel  Freeman, 

Sept. 

6, 

1791. 

78. 

David  Sage, 

Nov. 

25, 

1803. 

8G. 

Ebenezer  White, 

July 

29, 

1817. 

90. 

Joseph  Dart,  M.  H. 

May 

5, 

1791. 

53. 

John  Clark,  E.  II. 

Aug. 

8, 

1809. 

94. 

Jonathan  Penfield, 

July 

23, 

1794. 

69. 

Bryant  Parmelee,  E.  II. 

Jan. 

G, 

1817. 

84. 

James  Bill,  E.  H. 

July 

25, 

1825. 

87. 

Hczekiah  Goodrich, 

April 

1817, 

72. 

Chauncey  Bulkier,  M.  H. 

May 

10, 

1818. 

75. 

Daniel  Shepherd," 

Oct. 

24, 

1850. 

97. 

David  White, 

Sept. 

18, 

1833. 

79. 

Gen'l.  Seth  Overton, 

Dea.  David  Clark,  E.  II. 

May 

20, 

1843. 

88. 

Stephen  Griffith,  M.  H. 

About 

1839. 

76. 

John  Parmelee,  E.  H. 

June 

20, 

1827. 

62. 

Nathaniel  Cornwall, 

March 

22, 

1823. 

73. 

William  Dixon, 

March 

20, 

1820. 

81. 

Cyrus  Bill,  M.  H. 

Moved 

from  the 

county 

Asahel  H.  Strong,  M.  H. 

Jan. 

7, 

1818. 

41. 

Joseph  Dart,  M.  II. 

Ralph  Smith,  M.  11. 

Jan. 

1838. 

77. 

C-eorge  While, 

June 

1, 

1848. 

84. 

Amasa  Daniels,  Jun.  M.  II. 

1847. 

70. 

Sparrow  Smith,  E.  11. 

July 

14, 

1842. 

82. 

TOWN  CLERKS  IN  CHATHAM. 

This  town  was  incorporated  Oct.  1757,  and  held  its  first  meeting 
for  the  choice  of  officers  on  the  7th  of  December  following.     The 
office  of  clerk  has  been  held  by  the  following  persons  : 
Jonathan  Peufield,     from  Dec.     7,  1707  till  July  23. 1794. 

Daniel  Shepherd,  jr.     "     Sept.  15,  1794    :'  Dec.    6,1802. 

Dec.     6,  1802    »  Oct.    3,  1836. 

Oct.     3,  1836    '•  June       1841. 

July    10,  1841    «  Oct.  11,  1841. 


Zebulon  Penfield, 
Edward  A   Penfield, 
John  Markham,  jr. 
Nathaniel  C   Smith. 


Oct.    11,  1841 


SKETCH    OF    CHATHAM.  293 

CHATHAM  PROBATE  DISTRICT. 

Was  established   May    1824.      It    still    includes    Portland. 

Haddam  Neck  belonged  to  it  until  1830,  when  the  town  of  Had- 

dam  was  constituted  a  district. 

1824,  Benjamin  Hurd,  appointed  Judge.  Constant  F.  Daniels, 
Clerk  July,  12. 

1829,  Franklin  G.  Comstcck,  Esq.  appointed  Judge,  officiated 
without  a  clerk 

1833,  Ira  Lee  Esq.  appointed  Judge.  Horace  Foot  Esq.  was  ap- 
pointed Clerk,  June  1833. 

1835,  Philip  Sago  appointed  Judge,  June  29,  Daniel  Penfield, 
Clerk. 

1838,  Ezra  Foot  Esq.,  appointed  Judge,  and  officiated  without  a 

clerk. 

1839,  Philip  Sage  appointed  Judge. 

1844,  David  Cornwall  appointed  Judge,  Linus  Parmelee  Clerk. 

1846,  Braddock   Strong    Esq.,  appointed  Judge,  and   officiated 

without  a  clerk. 

1847,  David  Cornwall  appointed  Judge,  Linus  Parmelee  Clerk. 
1850,  Cyrus  Hurd  was  appointed  Judge,  and  officiates  without  a 

clerk. 


MIDDLETOWN  DEPUTIES  TO  THE  GENERAL 
COURT. 

The  Town  was  first  represented  in  Sept.  1G52. 


William  Smith, 

Sept.,  1G52 

William  Cheney, 

Oct.  1663. 

John  Hull.  jr. 

May,  1G53. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1604. 

William  Smith, 

do 

Robert  Warner, 

do 

Robert  Webster, 

Sept.  1053. 

V\  illinm  Cornwell, 

Oct.  1664. 

William  Smith, 

do 

William  Cheney. 

do 

Robert  Webster, 

May.  1054. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1665. 

Wm.  Cornwall, 

do 

Samuel  Stocking, 

do 

Robert  Webster, 

Sept.  1054. 

Robert  Warner, 

Oct.  1665. 

Thomas  Whitmore 

,          do 

Samuel  Stocking, 

do 

Robert  Webster, 

May,  1055. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1666. 

William  Smith, 

do 

Mr.  Hamlin, 

do 

William  Smith, 

Oct.  1055. 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1666. 

Robert  Webster, 

May  1650. 

Mr.  Hamlin, 

do 

Thomas  Allyn, 

do 

Giles  Hamlin, 

May.  1667. 

Robert  Webster, 

Oct.  1056. 

Nathaniel   White, 

do 

None  recorded, 

May  1057. 

Giles  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1667. 

Robert  Webster. 

Oct.  1057. 

Williair  Cheney, 

do 

George  G'raves.  jr. 

do 

Giles  Hamlin, 

May,  1668. 

George  Graves,  jr. 

May,  1658. 

Nathaniel  White, 

do 

Samuel  Stocking, 

do 

Mr.  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1668. 

Robert  Webster, 

Oct.  1058. 

Nathaniel  White, 

do 

George  Graves,  jr. 

do 

Nathaniel  White, 

May,  1669. 

Robert  Webster, 

May,  1059. 

Samuel  Stocking, 

do 

Samuel  Stocking, 

do 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1609. 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1059. 

Samuel  Stocking, 

do 

Samuel  Stocking, 

do 

Nathaniel  White, 

May,  1070. 

William  Cheney, 

May,  1060. 

William  Cheney, 

do 

Robert  Warner, 

do 

Giles  Hamlin. 

Oct.  1070. 

William  Cheney, 

Oct.  1660. 

Nathaniel  White, 

do 

Robert  Warner, 

do 

Giles  Hamlin, 

May.  1071. 

Robert  Warner, 

May.  1661. 

Nathaniel  White, 

do 

Nathaniel  White, 

do 

Giles  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1071. 

Robert  Warner, 

Oct.  1661. 

Nathaniel  White. 

do 

Nathaniel  White, 

do 

Nathaniel  White, 

May,  1672. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May,  1602. 

William  Cheney, 

*do 

William  Cheney, 

do 

Samuel  Collins, 

Oct.  1672. 

Nathaniel  White. 

Oct.  1662. 

William  Cheney, 

do 

Robert  Warner, 

do 

Giles  Hamlin, 

May.  1673. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May,  1063. 

Nathaniel  White, 

do 

Robert  Warner, 

do 

Giles  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1673. 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1663. 

William  Cheney, 

do 

DEPUTIES    TO    THE    GENERAL  COURT. 


285 


Giles  Hamlin,          May,  1674. 

Robert  Warner,         Oct.  1686. 

Nathaniel  White,             do 

Nathaniel  White,    May,  1687. 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1674. 

Robert  Warner,              do 

Samuel  Sto  king,              do 

William  Harris,         Oct.  1687. 

Giles  Hamlin,           May,  1675. 

William  Cheney,            do 

Nathaniel  White,            do 

No  election  —  Usurpation, 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1675. 

of  Maj.  Andros,  May,  1688. 

William  Cheney,              do 

Do                     Oct.  1688. 

Nathaniel  White,    May,  1676. 

Nathaniel  White,    May,  1689. 

William  Cheney,               do 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1689. 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1676. 

William  Ward,               do 

John  Grave,                       do 

Nathaniel  VVhite,    May.  1690. 

Nathaniel  White,    May,  1677. 

William  Cheney,            do 

William  Cheney,              do 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1690. 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1677. 

John  Hamlin.                 do 

Samuel  Stocking,              do 

Nathaniel  W^hite,    May,  1691. 

Giles  Hamlin,             May  1678. 

John  Hamlin,                  do 

Nathaniel  White,             do 

Nathaniel  White,     Oct.  1691. 

Daniel  Harris,            Oct.  1678. 

John  Hamlin,                  do 

William  Cheney,              do 

Nathaniel  White,    May,  1692. 

Nathaniel  White.    May,  1679. 

John  Hamlin,                 do 

William  Cheney,               do 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1692. 

Giles  Hamlin,             Oct.  1679. 

John  Hamlin,                  do 

Nathaniel  White,             do 

Nathaniel  White,    May,  1693. 

Giles  Hamlin,           May,  1680. 

John  Hamlin,                  do 

Nathaniel  White,             do 

Nathaniel  White,.     Oct.  1693. 

Giles  Hamlin,            Oct.  1680. 

John  Hamlin,                 do 

Nathaniel   vVhite,            do 

Nathaniel  White,    May,  1694. 

Giles  Hamlin,           May,  1681. 

No  names  recorded  Oct.  1694. 

Nathaniel  VVhite,            do 

Nathaniel  White,    May.  1695. 

No  names  recorded,  Oct.  1681. 

William  -Cheney,             do 

Giles  Hamlin,          May,  1682. 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1695. 

Nathaniel  White,            do 

William  Cheney,            do 

Giles  Hamlin,            Oct.  1682. 

Capt.  White,            May,  1696. 

Nathaniel  White,            do 

Nathaniel  Bidwell,         do 

Giles  Hamlin,          May,  1683. 

William  Cheney,       Oct.  1696. 

Nathaniel  White,             do 

John  Hall,                        do 

Giles  Hamlin,            Oct.  1683. 

Nathaniel  White,    May.  1697. 

Nathaniel  White,            do 

Samuel  Stowe,               do 

Giles  Hamlin,          May,  1684. 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1697. 

Nathaniel  White,            do 

Samuel  Bidwell,             do 

Daniel  Harris,           Oct.  1684. 

Nathaniel  White,    May.  1698. 

William  Cheney,              do 

Samuel  Bidwell,             do 

William  Cheney,     May,  1685. 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1698. 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1685. 

Samuel  Bidwell,             do 

William  Cheney,              do 

Nathaniel  White,    May.  1699. 

Nathaniel  White,    May.  1686. 

John  Hall,                      do 

William  Cheney,               do 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1699. 

Nathaniel  White,      Oct.  1686. 

Nathaniel  White,   May,  1700. 

25 


DEPUTIES    TO    THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


John  Hall, 

May.  1700. 

William  Ward,        Oct.  1712. 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1700. 

Joseph  Rockwell,     May.  1713. 

John  Hall, 

do 

William  Ward,                do 

Nathaniel  White, 

May,  1701 

Joseph  Rockwell,       Oct.  l7l3. 

John  Hall, 

do 

William  Ward,                do 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1701. 

Joseph  Rockwell,     May.  l7l4. 

William  Sumner. 

do 

William  Hariri*,             do 

Nathaniel  White, 

May,  1702. 

Joseph  Rockwell,       Oct.  1714. 

William  Sumner, 

do 

William  Harris.              do 

Capt.  White, 

Oct.  1702. 

Joseph  Rockwell,     May,  1715. 

William  Simmer, 

do 

William  Harris.               do 

Capt   White, 

May,  1703. 

Joseph  Rockwell,       Oct.  1715. 

William    !S  um  nor, 

do 

William  Savage,              do 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1703. 

Joseph  Roekwe'l,     May.  1716. 

Samuel  Bidwell, 

do 

W  illiam  Savage,              do 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1704. 

Joseph  Rockwell,       Oct.  I7l6. 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1704. 

William  Savage,             do 

John  Hall, 

do 

Jo.-eph  Rockwell.     May,  1717. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1705. 

Samuel  Hall,                   do 

John  Hall. 

do 

A/ariah  Wctmore,    Oct«l7l7. 

Nathaniel  White. 

Oct.  1705 

John  Sage                        do 

Samuel  Bidwell, 

do 

Azariah  Wetmorc.  May.  1718. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1700. 

William  Savage,              do 

Thomas  Ward, 

do 

A/.  uriah  \V«-tmorc,    Oct.  1718. 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  170G. 

William  Savage,             do 

Thomas  Ward, 

do 

Joseph  Rockwell.     May.  1719. 

Nathaniel  White, 

Mav  1707. 

William  Savage,              do 

Thomas  Ward, 

"do 

Joseph  Rockwell,       Oct.  1719. 

Nathaniel  White. 

Oct.  1707. 

William  Savage,              do 

John  Hall, 

(Jo 

William  Han-is.       May.  1720. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1708. 

Wiliam  Savage,               do 

John   Hall, 

do 

William  Savage,        Oct.  1720. 

Natha'iiel  White, 

Oct.  1708 

William  Harris,               do 

John  Hall, 

do 

William  Harris,       May.  1721. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1700. 

William  Savage,              do 

John  Hall. 

do 

A/.ariah  Weunore,    Oct.  1721. 

Nathaniel  White, 

Oct.  1709. 

John  Sage.                        do 

John  Hall. 

d<> 

Azariah  Wetinorc,  May.  1722. 

Nathaniel  White, 

May.  1710. 

John  Sage.                        do 

John   Hall. 

do 

Wil  iam  Harris,         Oct.  1722. 

Joseph  Rockwell, 

Oct.  1710. 

William  Savage,             do 

William    \  ard, 

do 

Azariah  Wctmore,  May.  1723. 

Edward  Shepard, 

May,  1711. 

William  Savage,              do 

William  Ward, 

do 

A/.ariah  Wctmore,    Oct.  1723. 

John  Hall, 

Oct.  1711. 

William  Savage,             do 

Thomas  Ward, 

do 

A/.ariah  Wetmorc,  May.  1724. 

Thomas  Ward, 

Mav,  1712. 

William  Savage,             do 

John  Warner,  jr. 

"  do 

Azariah  Wetmore,    Oct.  1724. 

Joseph  Rockwell, 

Oct.  1712. 

William  Savage,             do 

DEPUTIES   TO    THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


287 


Azariah  Wctmore, 

May.  1725.  ! 

George  Phillips. 

Oct.  1737. 

William  Savage, 

do 

Jahez  Hamlin, 

do 

Azariah  Wetmore, 

Oct.  1725. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Mav.  1738. 

William  Savage, 

do 

George  Mi  Hips, 

'do 

Azariah  Wetmore, 

May.  1720. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1738. 

John  Sage. 

do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Azariah  Wetmore. 

Out.  1726. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May.  1739. 

William  Savage, 

do 

Thomas  Johnson, 

do 

Giles  Hall, 

Mav.  1727. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1739. 

John  Andrews, 

"  do 

Thomas  Johnson, 

do 

Giles  Hall, 

Oct.  1727. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May.  1740. 

John  Andrews, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Azariah  Wetmore. 

May,  1728. 

George  Phillips, 

Oct.  1740. 

John  Andrews. 

do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

do 

William  Harris, 

Oct.  1728. 

Jabez  Hamlin. 

May,  1741. 

John  Andrews, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore. 

do 

Joseph  Wetmore, 

Mav.  1729. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1741. 

John  Andrews, 

"   do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

George  Phillips, 

Oct.  1729. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May.  1742. 

John  Andrews, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Giles  Hall. 

May.  1730. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1742. 

John  Andrews, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Giles  Hall. 

Oct.  1730. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May,  1743. 

George  Phillips, 

do 

Seth  Wetmoro, 

do 

Giles  Hall, 

May  1731. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1743. 

George  Phillips, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

George  Phillips, 

Oct.  1731. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May.  1744. 

J>1>-/.  Hamlin, 

do 

Thomas  Johnson, 

do 

George  Phillips, 

May   1732. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1744. 

Jahez  H  unlin, 

"  do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Giles  Hill. 

Oct.  1732. 

'abez  Hamlin, 

May.  1745. 

Thomas  Allyn, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

George  Phillips, 

May,  1733. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1745. 

Joseph  White, 

do 

Seth  Wctmore, 

do 

George  Phillips, 

Oct.  1733. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May.  1746. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

George  Phillips, 

May.  1734. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1746. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

George  Phillips, 

Oct.  1734. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May   1747. 

Jahez  Hamlin, 

.10 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

George  Phillips, 

May.  1735. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1747. 

George  Phillips, 

Oct.  1735. 

Return  Meigs, 

do 

Jahez  Hamlin, 

do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May-  1748. 

George  Phillips, 

May.  1736. 

Seth  Wetmore, 

"do 

Jahez  Hamlin, 

do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1748. 

George  Phillips, 

Oct.  1736 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Mav.  1749. 

George  Phillips, 

Mav.  1737. 

Seth  Wetmore, 

"do 

Jabez  Hamlin. 

do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1749 

DEPUTIES    TO    THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


Seth  Wetmore,          Oct.  1749. 

Matthew  Talcott. 

May,  1762. 

Jabez  Hamlin,          May,  1750. 

Seth  VVetmore, 

Oct.  1762. 

Seth  Wetmore,                  do 

Matthew  Talcott, 

do 

Jabez  Hamlin,            Oct.  1750. 

Matthew  Talcott, 

May,  1763. 

Joseph  Southmayd,          do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

Oct.  1763. 

Jabez  Hamlin,     '      May,  1751. 

Matthew  Talcott, 

do 

Joseph  Southmayd,          do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

May,  1764. 

Jabez  Hamlin,           Oct.  1751. 

Matthew  Talcott, 

do 

Joseph  Sonthmayd,          do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

Oct.  1764. 

Jabez  Hamlin,    '     May,  1752. 

Richard  AKsop, 

do 

Joseph  Southmayd,          do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

May,  1765. 

Joseph  Southmayd,  Oct.  1752. 

Richard  Als^p, 

do 

Jabez  Hamlin,                   do 

Seth  VVetmore, 

Oit.  1765. 

Jabez  Hamlin,          May,  1753. 

Richard  Alsop, 

do 

Joseph  Southmayd,          do 

Seth  Wctmoro, 

May,  1766. 

Jabez  Hamlin,            Oct.  1753. 

Richard  Alsop, 

do 

Seth  VVetmore,                do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1766. 

Jabez  Hamlin,          May,  1754. 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Joseph  Wright,                 do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May,  1767. 

Jabez  Hamlin,            Oct.  1754. 

Richard  Alsop, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,                  do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1767. 

Jabez  Hamlin,          May,  1755. 

Richard  Alsop, 

do 

Seth  VVetmore,                  do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May,  1768. 

Jabez  Hamlin,           Oct.  1755. 

Seth  VVetmore, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,                 do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.1768. 

Jabez  Hamlin,          May,  1756. 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Seth   Wetmore,                 do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May.  1769. 

Jabez  Hamlin,            Oct.  1756. 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Michael  Burnham,           do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1769. 

Jabez  Hamlin,           May  1757, 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,                 do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May,  1770. 

Jabez  Hamlin,            Oct.  1757. 

Richard  Alsop, 

do 

Seth  Wetn-.ore,                  do 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1770. 

Jabez  Hamlin,          May,  1758. 

Seth  VVetmore, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,          Oct.  1758. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May,  1771. 

Matthew  Talcott,             do 

Seth  Wetmore, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,        May,  1759. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1771. 

John  Fitch,                        do 

Richard  Alsop, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,          Oct.  1759. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

May.  1772. 

Matthew  Talcott,            do 

Matthew  Tiilcott, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,        May.  1760. 

Jabez  Hamlin, 

Oct.  1772. 

Matthew  Talcott,            do 

Richard  Alsop, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,          Oct.  1760. 

.Jabez  Hamlin, 

May,  1773. 

Matthew  Talcott,             do 

Richard  Alsop, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,        May,  1761. 

Richard  Alsop, 

Oct.  1773. 

Matthew  Talcott,            do 

Titus  Hosmer, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore,          Oct.  1761. 

Richard  Alsop, 

May,  1774. 

Matthew  Talcott,             do 

Titus  Hosmer, 

do 

Seth  Wetmore.        May,  1762. 

Matthew  Talcott, 

Oct.  1774 

DFPUTIES    TO    THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


289 


Titus  Hosmer,            Out.  1774.      Ehenezer  Paeon,      May,  178G. 

Matthew  Talcott,    May,  1775. 

Comfort  Sage,            Oct.  1786. 

Titos  llosmer,                     do 

Ehenezer  Bacon,              do 

Titus  HiKsmer,            Oct.  1775. 

George  Phillip*,       May,  1787. 

John  Dickinson,                do            Elijah  Hubbard,             do 

Titus  Hosmer,          May,  1776.      George  Phillips.         Oct.  1787. 

Comfort  Sage,                   do            Elijah  llubbard.             do 

Titus  Hosmer,            Oct.  1776.      A  ..her  Miller,           May,  1788. 

John  Dickinson,                do         |  George  Phillips,              do 

Titus  Hosmer,          May,  1777. 

Asher  Miller,             Oct.  1788. 

Comfort  Sage,                   do 

Elijah  Hubhard,              do 

Titus  Hosmer,            Oct.  1777, 

Asher  Miller,           May,  1789. 

Titus  Hosmer,          May,  1778. 

Kbenezer  Bacon,             do 

John  Dickinson,                do 

Samuel   W.  Dana,     Oct.  1789. 

John  Dickinson,         Oct.  1778. 

Elijah  Hubbard,              d*> 

Ebenezer  Bacon,                do 

Asher  Miller,           May,  1790. 

Matthew  Talcott,    May,  1779. 

Samuel  W.  Dana,           do 

Comfort  Sage,                    do 

Elijah  llubbard.        Oct.  1790. 

John  Dickinson,         Oct   1779. 

Asher  Miller,                   do 

Ebenezer  Bacon,               do 

Elijah  llubbard',      May,  1791. 

Comfort  Sage,         May,  1780. 

Asher  Mi  HIT.                   do 

Matthew  Talcott,             do 

Elijah  Hubbard,        Oct.  1791. 

John  Dickinson,         Oct.  1780. 

Asher  Miller,                  do 

Ebenezer  Bac^n,               do 

Elijah  Hubbard,      May,  1792. 

Matthew  Talcott,  May,  1781.* 

Asher  Miller,                   do 

Dr.  J.  Dickinson,                do 

Elijah  Huhbard,        Oct.  1792. 

Comfort  Sage,            Oct.  1781. 

Asher  Miller,                   do 

Matthew  Talcott,             do 

Elijah  Hubbard,      May,  1793. 

Comfort  Sage,          May.  1782. 

Asher  Miller,                  do 

Matthew  Talcott,             do 

Elijah  Huhbard,        Oct.  17G3. 

Comfort  Sage,            Oct.  1782 

Samuel  W.  Dana,           do 

Matthew  Talcott.             do         |   Elijah  Hubbard,      May,  1794. 

Comfort  Sage,          May.  1783 

Samuel  W.  Dana,           do 

Ebenezer  Bacon,               do 

Elijah  Hubbard,        Oct.  1794, 

Comfort  Sage,            Oct.  1783. 

Samuel  W.  Dana,           do 

Ehenezer  Bacon,                do 

Elijah  Hubhard.      May,  1795. 

Comfort  Sage,          May.  1784. 

Samuel  W.  Dana,          do 

Samuel  11.  Parsons,          do 

Elijah  Hubhard,        Oct.  1795. 

Comfort  Sage,           Oct.  1784. 

Samuel  W.  Dana,           do 

Samuel  H.  Parsons,          do 

Elijah  Hubbard,      May,  1796. 

Asher  Miller,           May,  1785. 

Samuel  W.  Dana,           do 

Samuel  H.  Parsons,         do 

Elijah  Hnlihard,        Oct.  1796. 

Comfort  Sage,           Oct.  1785. 

Samuel  W.  Dana,           do 

Ehenezer  Bacon,               do 

Stephen  T.  Ho.*mer,  May,  1797. 

Comfort  Sage,          May,  1786. 

Elijah  Hubbard,             do 

*  The  Koll  of  Representatives  for  May  1781  is  not  given  in  the  Record* 
in  the  .wt:ite  House  at  Hartford,  but  the  roll  as  kept  by  GOT.  Jonathan 
Trumbull  is  deposited  in  the  Rooms  of  the  Ct.  His.  Society. 

*25 


290 


DEPUTIES    TO   THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


Andrew  Campbell,  Oct.  1797. 

Amos  Church,  do 

Andrew  Campbell,  May,  1798. 

Asher  Miller,  do 

Andrew  Campbell,  Oct.  1798. 

Ebonezer  Bacon,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard.  May,  1799. 

Ebenezer  Bacon,  do 

John  Pratt,  Oct.  1799. 

Elijah  Hubbard,  do 
Stephen  T.  Hosmer,  May.  1800. 

Elijah  Hubbard,  do 

Ebenezer  Bacon,'  Oct.  1800. 

Jehosaphat  Starr,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  May,  1801. 

Jehosophat  Starr,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  Oct.  1801. 

Enoch  Parsons,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  May,  1802 

Ahijah  Savage,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  Oct.  1802. 

Abijah  Savage,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  May,  1803. 

Enoch  Parsons,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  Oct.  1803. 

Asher  Miller,  do 

Elijah  Hnbbard,  May,  1804. 

Asher  Miller,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  Oct.  1804. 

Asher  Miller,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  May,  1805. 

Joshua  .'"tow,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  Oct.  1805. 

Joshua  Stow,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  May,  1800. 

John  Pratt,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  Oct.  1800. 

John  Pratt,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  May,  1807. 

John  Pratt,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  Oct.  1807. 

John  Pratt,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,  May,  1808. 

John  Pratt.  do 

Lemuel  Storrs,  Oct.  1808. 

Jozeb  Stocking,  do 

John  Pratt.  May,  1809. 
Chauncey  VVhittlesey,     do 

John  Pratt,  Oct.  1809. 


Chauncey  Whittlesey,   do 
E.  Sage,  May,  1810. 

Chauncsy  Whittleeev,   do 
E.  Sage.  Oct.  1810^ 

Chaunccv  Wbittlesey,    do 
E.  Hubbard,  May,  1811. 

Chauncev  Whittlesey,    do 
E.  Hubbard,  Oct.  1811. 

Chauncey  Whittlesey,    do 
E.  Hubbard,  May,  1812. 

S.  Wetmore,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,        Oct.  1812. 
S.  Wetmore,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,      May,  1813. 
S.  Wetmore,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,        Oct.  1813. 
S.  Wetmore,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard.      May,  1814. 
S.  Wetmore,  do 

Elijah  Hubbard,        Oct.  1814 
Alexander  Collins,          do 
Elisha  Cde,  May,  1815. 

Arthur  W.  Magill,         do 
Samuel  Gill,  Oct.  1815. 

Jozeb  Stocking,  do 

Samuel  Gill,  May,  1816. 

Jozeb  Stocking,  do 

Elisha  Coe,  Oct.  1816. 

C.  Whittlesey,  do 

Elisha  Coe.  May,  1817. 

Nathan  Starr,  jr.  do 

Elisha  Coe,  Oct.  1817. 

Nathan  Starr,  jr.  do 

John  Alsop,  May,  1818. 

Nathan  Starr,  do 

John  Alsop,  Oct.  1818. 

Horace  Goodrich,  do 

Present  Constitution  in 
operation.  Hencefor- 
ward but  one  election 
yearly. 

John  Alsop,  May,  1819. 

Elisha  Coe.  "do 

John  Alsep,  May,  1820. 

Elisha  Coe,  do 

Seth  Paddock,         May,  1821. 
Elisha  Street,  do 

Samuel  W.  Dana,  May,  1822. 
Josiah  Savage,  do 


DEPUTIES    TO    THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


291 


John  Alsop, 

May,  1823. 

Timothy  Savage,            do 

Josiah  Savage, 

do 

Richard  Hubbard,  May,  1838. 

Minor  Hotchkiss, 

May,  1824. 

Eben  Wilcox,           May,  1838. 

Daniel  Rand, 

do 

Charles  Woodward,  May.  1839. 

Daniel  Rand, 

May,  1825. 

Henry  D.  Smith,             do 

Miaor  Hotchkiss, 

do 

No  choice,                May,  1840. 

Daniel  Burrows, 

May,  1826. 

Noah  A.  Phelps,      May,  1841. 

Samuel  W.  Dana, 

do 

Wm.  Plumb,  2d.             do 

Wm.  L.  Storrs, 

May,  1827. 

S.  K.  Wightman,    May,  1842. 

Elijah  Paddock, 

do 

A'exander  Sage,             do 

W.  L.  Storrs, 

May,  1828. 

Daniel  C.  Crowell,  May,  1843. 

E.  Paddock, 

do 

One  vacancy,                   do 

W.  L.  Storrs, 

May  1829. 

Elihu  Spencer,         May,  1844. 

E.  Jackson,  jr. 

do 

Alfred  Hubbard,             do 

E.  Jackson,  jr. 

May,  1830. 

No  choice,                May,  1845. 

H.  Woodward, 

do 

Ebenezer  Jackson,  May,  1846. 

E.  Jackson,  jr. 

May,  1831. 

Samuel  Russell.              do 

H.  Woodward, 

do 

Charles  Wood  ward,  May,  1847. 

E.  Jackson  jr. 

May,  1832. 

Henry  D.  Smith,             do 

Joseph  Coe, 

do 

Edwin  Stearns,        May,  1848. 

Elijah  Paddock, 

May,  1833. 

Elihu  Spencer,                do 

Samuel  Russell, 

do 

Edwin  Stearns,        May,  1849. 

W.  L.  Storrs, 

May.  1834. 

Earl  Cooley,                    do 

Jedediah  Wilcox, 

do 

Noah  A.  Phelps,     May,  1850. 

S.  K.  Wightman, 

May,  1835. 

Joseph  Coe,                      do 

Wm.  Plumb, 

"  do 

Elihu  Spencer,         May,  1851. 

S.  K.  Wightman, 

May,  1836. 

Bulklev  Edwards,           do 

Wm.  Plumh,  2d. 

do 

Daniel"  H.  Chase,     May,  1852. 

S.  K.  Wightman, 

May,  1837. 

Elisha  S.  Hubbard,         do 

REPRESENTATIVES  TO  THE  GENERAL  AS- 
SEMBLY FROM  uHATHAM. 

In  the  incorporation  of  this  town  in  Oct.  1707,  it  was  enacted 
that  the  town  should  send  only  one  representative  at  the  pub- 
lic expense,  and  but  one  was  sent  at  the  sessions  the  next  year. 

David  Sage,  May,  1708.   |    Silas  Dunham,  Oct.  1778- 


David  Sage. 

D.i  v  id  Sage, 

Nathaniel  Freeman,         do 

Ebenczer  White,      Oct.    I7G9. 

Elisha  Cornwall,  do 

Ebenezer  White.     May,  1770. 

Nathaniel  Freeman,         do 

Ebenczer  White,      Oct.    1770. 

Nathaniel  Freeman,         do 

David  Sago.  May,  1771. 

Nathaniel  Freeman,         do 

Ebenczer  White,       Oct.  1771. 

Nathaniel  Freeman,         do 

Ebenczer  White,     May,  1772. 

David  Sage. 

Ebenczer  White, 

Silas  Dunham, 

Ebenczer  White, 

Silas  Dunham, 

Ebenezer  White. 

Silas  Dunham, 

Ebenezfr  White, 

Silas  Dunham, 

David  Sage, 

Silas  Dunham, 

David  Sage. 

Ebei  ezer  White, 

David  Suge. 

Ebenezer  White, 

Ebenezer  White, 

John  Penficld, 

Eben"zer  White, 

John  Pentield, 

Ebenezer  White, 

John  Penfield, 


Ebenezer  White, 
Ebcnezer  White, 
John  PeDfield, 


Oct.       do     !   Jeremiah  Bradford,        do 
*  May.  1709.   j   John  Penfield,          May.  1779, 
Joseph  Kellogg,  do 

Ebenezer  White,       Oct.  1779. 
Joseph  Kellogg,  do 

Ebenezet  White,     May.  1780. 
Joseph  Kellogg,  do 

John  Penfield',  Oct.  1780. 

Silas  Dunham,  do 

Gov.  Trumbull  names  Mr, 
Jonathan      Pcnfield    and 
Mr.   Eber  White,  as  the 
representatives  in    May, 
1781.  but  Col.  John  leu- 
field  and    Mr.    Ebenezer 
White,    were     probably 
the  persons  intended. 
Ebcnezer  White,       Oct.  1781. 
Chauncey  Buckley.        do 
Ebenezer  White,     May,  1782. 
Chaunccv  Buckley,        do 
Moses  Bartlett,          Oct.  1782, 
James  Bill,  do 

Ebenezer  White,     May.  1783. 
James  Bill,  do 

Ebenezer  White,        Oct.  178S. 
Chauncey  Buckley,        do 
Ebenezer  White,     May,  1784. 
Chauncey  BucKlev,         do 
Ebenezer  White,"     Oct.  1784. 
James  Bill,  do 

Joseph  Blake,          May,  1785. 
Chauncey  Buckley,         do 
Ebenezer  White.       Oct.  1785. 
Bryan  Parmelee,  do 

Ehjnezer  White,     May.  1780. 
Elijah  Smi  h,  "do 

Ebenezer  White,       Oct.  178& 


do 
Oct.  1772. 

do 
May,  1773. 

do 
Oct.  1773. 

do 
May,  1774. 

do 
Oct.  1774. 

do 
May,  1775. 

do 
Oct.  1775. 

do 
May,  1776. 

do 
Oct.  1776. 

do 
May,  1777. 

do 

Oct.  1777. 
May.  1778 
do 


DEPUTIES    TO   THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


293 


Chauncey  Buckley,  Oct.  1786. 
John  Penfield,  May;  1787. 
James  Bill,  do 

John  Penfield.  Oct.  1787. 

James  Bill,  do 

Ebenezer  White,     May,  1788. 
Chauncey  Buckley,          do 
Ebenezer  White,       Oct.  1788. 
Chauncey  Bucklev,          do 
John  Penfield,      "  May,  1789. 
James  Bill,  do 

Ebenezer  White,  Oct.  1789. 
John  Penfield,  do 

Hezekiati  ctuuCUfcli,  Mo,j,  1700 
James  Bill,  do 

Hezekiah  Goodrich,  Oct.  1790. 
James  Bill,  do 

Ebenezer  White,     May,  1791. 
Chauncey  Buckley,          do 
Hezekiah  Goodrich,  Oct.  1791. 
Chauncey  Buckley,          do 
Hezekiah  Goodrich,  May,  1792. 
James  Bill,  do 

Hezekiah  Goodrich,  Oct.  1792. 
Chauncey  Buckley,          do 
Hezekiah  Goodrich,  May,  1793. 
Chauncey  Buckley,          do 
Hezk.  Goodrich,        Oct.  1793. 
Timothy  Rogers,  do 

Hezk.  Goodrich,  May,  1794. 
Timothy  Rogers,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,  Oct.  1794. 
Hez'k.  Goodrich,  May,  1795. 
Joseph  Sage,  do 

Hez,k.  Goodrich,  Oct.  1795. 
James  Bill,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,      May,  1796. 
Chauncey  Buckley,          do 
Hez'k.  Goodrich,       Oct  1796. 
Moses  Cook,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,  May,  1797. 
Moses  Cook,  do 

Daniel  Shepherdjr-  Oct.  1797. 
Chauncey  Buckley,          do 
Dan  1.  Shepherd,  jr.  May,  1798. 
James  Bill,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,  Oct,  1798. 
James  Bill,  do 


Hez'k.  Goodrich,     May,  1799. 
Chauncey  Buckley,        do 
Seth  Overton,        Oct.  1799, 
Stephen  Griffith,  do 

Seth  Overton,          May,  1800. 
Robert  Usher,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,       Oct.  1800. 
Chauncey  Buckley,        do 
rlez'k.  Goodrich,     May,  1801. 
Moses  Cook,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,       Oct.J.801. 
Charles  Buckley,  do 

The  S.  Records  say  Charlea 

but   Chauucey    Buckley 

is  probably  intended. 
Hcz'k.  Goodrich,      May.  1802 
Bryant  Parmelee,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,        Oct.  1802. 
David  Clarke,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,      May,  1803. 
David  Clarke,  do 

Enoch  Sage,  Oct.  1803. 

John  H.  Stronf.  do 

Enoch  Sage,    "        May,  18o4. 
John  H.  Strong,  do 

Enoch  Sage,  Oct.  1804. 

Robert  Usher,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,     May.  1805. 
Robert  Usher,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,      Oct.  1805. 
Benjamin  Hurd,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,      May,  1806. 
Benjamin  Kurd,  do 

Enoch  Sage,  Oct.  180G. 

Nathaniel  Markum,       do 
Daniel  Cheeney,      May,  1807. 
Nathaniel  Markum,       do 
Daniel  Cheeney,        Oct.  1807. 
Jonathan  Bowers,  do 

Isaac  Conkling,       May,  1808. 
Jonathan  Bowers,  do 

Abel  Penfield,  Oct.  1808. 

Jesse  Hurd,  do 

Abel  Penfield,          May,  1809. 
Benjamin  Hurd,  do 

Hezk.  Goodrich,        Oct.  1809. 
Constant  Welch,  do 

Hez'k.  Goodrich,      May,  1810, 


294 


DEPUTIES  TO  THE   GENERAL    COURT. 


Benjamin  Hurd,  May,  1810. 
Hez  k.  Goodrich,  Oct.  1810. 
Benjamin  Hurd,  do 

Hez  k.  Goodrich,  May,  1811. 
Jabez  Comstock,  do 

Hezk.  Goodrich,  Oct.  1811. 
James  Comstock,  do 

Hez  k.  Goodrich,  May,  1812. 
Benjamin  Hurd,  do 

Abel  Penfield.  Oct   1812. 

Benjamin  Hurd.  do 

Asahel  H.  Strong,  May,  1813. 
Jesse  Hurd,  do 

Asahel  H.  Strong,  Oct.  1813. 
David  Churchill,  do 

Asaliel  H.  Strong,  May.  1814. 
Stephen  Griffith.  do 

No  representatives  record- 
ed on  S.  Records  from 
Chatham.  Oct.  1814. 

Samuel  Hall,  May,  1815. 

Joseph  Dart,  do 

Samuel  Hall,  Oct.  1815. 

Joseph  Dart.  do 

Enoch  Sage,  May,  181G. 

Nehemiah  Gates,  do 

Enoch  Sage,  Oct.  1816. 

Nehemiah  Gates,  do 

Enoch  Sage:  May.  1817. 

Benjamin  Hurd,  do 

Enoch  Sage,  Oct.  1817. 

Benjamin  Hurd,  do 

Eno-ih  Sage,  May,  1818. 

Nehemiah  Gates,  do 

The  delegates   to 'the  Con- 
vention     which    formed 
the  present   Constitution 
of  the    State,  meeting  in 
Aug   this  year  were, 
Enoch  Sage,  and 
Benjamimin  Hurd, 
Enoch  S:ige.  Oct.  1818 

Nehemiah  Gates,  do 

Delegates  to  the   Assembly 
under  the    new  constitu- 
tion, one  regular  session 
annually. 
Enoch  Sage,  May,  1819. 


Benjamin  Hurd,  May.  1819. 

Enoch  Sage,  May.  1820. 

Nehemiah  Gates,  do 

George  White,  May.   1821. 

Ira  Lee  do 
Nathan.l.  Markum,  May.  1822. 

Guy  Cooper,  do 

Guy  Cooper,  May.  1823. 

Ralph  Smith,  do 

Philip  Sage,  May,  1824. 
Nathaniel  Markum.  jr. 

Philip  Sage.  May.  1825. 

Ralph  Smith,  do 

K.   G     r..m*t,«.le..          May.    1K26. 

Ralph  Smith,  do 

Elijah  Colton,  May,  1827. 

Nathaniel  Markum.  jr. 
Guy  Cooper.  May,  1828. 

John  Stewart,  jr.  do 

Guy  Cooper.     '         May.  1829. 
Nathaniel  Markum.       do 
Philip  Sage,  May.  1830. 

John  Stewart,  do 

'   Joseph  Hall,  Ma>.  1831. 

Nathaniel  Markum.       do 
David  Williams,      May.  1832. 
John  Markum.  do 

David  Williams        May.  1833. 
Nathaniel  C.  Smith.       do 
Seld.-n  Co  k,  May,  1834. 

John  Markum.  jr.    May.  1834. 
Selden  Cook,  May-  1835. 

Lazarus  Watrous,  do 

Guy  Cooper.  May.  1<S36. 

John  Markum,  jr.  do 

Edward  Lewis,         May,  1837. 
Lazarus  Watrous,  do 

Edward  Lewis,         May,  1838. 
ohn  Markum,  do 

William  R  Smith.  May,  1839. 
Francis  Voting,  do 

William  R.  Smith,  May.  1840. 
Brsddook  Strong,  do 

Ralph  Goodrich,       May,  1841. 
Elijah  Clark,  do 

Braddock  Strong,    May.  1842. 
Elijah  Clark.  do 

Cyrua  Hurd,  Mav.  1843, 


DEPUTIES    TO    THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


295 


Dan  B.  Niles, 
Cyrus  Hurd, 
Lewis  Utley, 
Hiram  Markum, 
William  Bevin, 
Hiram  Markum, 
William  G.  Buell, 
Charles  Jacobs, 
William  G.  Buell, 
Alfred  Brooks, 


May,  1843. 
May,  1844. 

do 
May,  1845. 

do 
May,  1846. 

do 
May,  1847. 

do 
May.  1848. 


Nathaniel  C.  Smith,  May,  1848 
Levi  Bunce,  May.  1849. 

Nathaniel  C.  Smith.       do 
Levi  Bunce,  May.  1850. 

Nathaniel  C.  Smith,     *do 
John  Markum.  jr.  May.  1851. 
Amasa  Carpenter,          do 
Mart  n  Roberts,       May.  1852. 
William  Bevin,  do 


REPRESENTATIVES  TO  THE  GENERAL  AS- 
SEMBLY FROM  PORTLAND. 

Portland,  made  a  town  in  Oct.  1842,  has  sent  the  following 


representatives. 
Kellogg  Strong, 
Erastus  Brainerd, 
Archibald  Kinnpy, 
Russell  I'enfield, 
Russell  Penfield, 


May,  1843. 
do  1844. 
do  1845 
do  1H6 
do  1847. 


Alfred  Hall  May,  1848- 

Joseph  Hall,  do    1849. 

William  H.  Bartlett,  do    1850 
Alfred  Hall,  do    1851* 

Alfred  Hall,  do    1852' 


In  these  catalogues  we  have  a  large  proportion  of  the  promi- 
nent and  influential  men  in  Middletown,  Cromwell,  Chatham 
and  Portland,  Some  of  these  are  mentioned  in  the  address  and 
some  in  the  notes.  Robert  Warner,  one  of  the  first  settlers, 
held  many  offices  of  trust.  He  died  April  10,  1690.  Many  were 
in  the  commission  of  the  peace,  as  appears  from  lists  of  justices 
already  given,  not  a  few  held  their  commissions  by  successive 
and  long  continued  appointments.  Jsibez  Hamliu  and  Selh 
W  etmore  were  justices  of  the  Quorum  for  Hartford  county  be- 
fore Middlesex  County  was  formed.  John  Hamlin  and  Jabez 
Hamlin  were  judges  of  that  court  as  stated  in  the  sketches  of 
them.  Lemuel  Storrs,  Ebenezer  White.  Seth  Overton  and  F.  G. 
Comstock  were  justices  of  the  Quorum  for  Middlesex  County. 
John  Stewart  has  been  a  judge  of  the  County  court,  and  a  rep* 
resentative  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States.  A  large  num- 
ber of  the  representatives  were  honored  with  miltary  commiss- 
ions and  their  titles  are  very  generally  given  on  public  records, 
while  the  people  were  exposed  to  attacks  from  the  Indians  and 
to  colonial  wars.  High  military  titles  appear  on  records  in  the 
Revolution  and  years  afterwards.  In  early  times  military  men 
passed  slowly  from  one  grade  to  another.  So  Nathaniel  White, 
the  patriarch  of  the  Upper  Houses  is  titled  ensign  in  1GG7,  lieu- 
tenant 1679,  and  oaptain  in  Oct.  1690. 


The  absence  of  the  Author  of  this  "Address,"  bis'distant  residence 
Mid  the  consequent  difficulty  in  having  the  proofs  critically  read,  have  oc- 
casioned some  errors,  especially  in  dates.  The  publisher  therefore,  beinj; 
Cully  aware  of  the  value  of  accuracy  in  this  respect,  has  been  induced  to 
nppend  the  following  list  of 

ERRATA. 

Page  139,  fourth  name  from  bottom  for  Mamphahelh,  read  Wamphaneh. 

4      159,  llth  line  from  bottom,  after  Nov.  5th  insert  Jive  thousand. 

1      166,  15th  line  from  top,  for  1813  read  1713. 

4      176,  for  P*,  read  Pp  180,81, 

'      181,  10th  line  from  top,  for  1052  read  1852. 

1      189,  8th  line  from  bottom,  for  1286  read  1836. 

4      194,  13th  line  from  bottom,  for  1312  read  1812. 
Note  to  pag«  100.    Mr.  Dana  died  July  21,  1830,  at  the  age  of  70. 

4i     «      «    248.     Dr.  Hand  practised  in  Upper  Middletown,  about  fiv« 

years  ;  from  1811  to  1815  inclusive. 
Page  253,  for  Shainga  rend  Shamgar. 

44    233.     The  name  of  the  great  pond  in  East  Hampton,  has  been 
generally  spelt  PocotcfO^ue. 


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